Technical Committee on Mining Facilities - NFPA · Technical Committee on Mining Facilities ... 1979 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 E 3/1/2011 ... Eric Metheny U 3/4/2009 MIN-AAA

Technical Committee on Mining Facilities Second Draft Meeting - NFPA 120 and 122 (F2014)

The North American Coal Corporation – Hosted

5340 Legacy Drive, Building 1 Suite 300

Plano, Texas 75024

January 7-8, 2014

AGENDA

1. Chair Matt Bujewski calls meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. on January 2nd. 2. Welcome & Self-Introduction of Committee Members & Guests (See Attachment A) 3. Staff Liaison, Presentation on Process 4. Approve TC minutes from May, 2013 First Draft Meeting in Schaumburg, IL (See Attachment B) 5. Review comments from committee members on the First Draft 6. Review negative votes received on the First Draft Ballot (See Attachment C) 7. Act on public comments to NFPA 120 (See Attachment D) 8. Review Task Group work assignments (See Attachment E) 9. Review work of the 120 Sprinkler Task Group (See Attachment F) 10. Old Business 11. New Business & Determination of next meeting date and location 12. Adjournment - Meeting will adjourn at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8.

Address List No PhoneMining Facilities MIN-AAA

Susan Bershad12/12/2013

MIN-AAA

Matthew J. Bujewski

ChairMJB Risk Consulting9650 Mill Hill LaneSt. Louis, MO 63127

SE 4/1/1993MIN-AAA

David G. Aden

PrincipalState of Alaska Department of Public SafetyDivision of Fire & Life Safety1979 Peger RoadFairbanks, AK 99709

E 3/1/2011

MIN-AAA

Steven M. Behrens

PrincipalXL Global Asset Protection Services100 Constitution PlazaHartford, CT 06103

I 11/2/2006MIN-AAA

J. Emmett Bevins

PrincipalAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Alternate: Kendall A. Pate

M 10/23/2003

MIN-AAA

Dennis D. Brohmer

PrincipalTyco Fire Protecion ProductsOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI 54143Alternate: Dennis M. Phillips

M 4/17/1998MIN-AAA

Jack Douglas Conaway

PrincipalArch Coal, Inc.One CityPlace Drive, Suite 300St. Louis, MO 63141Alternate: Eric Metheny

U 3/4/2009

MIN-AAA

Thomas A. Delorie, Jr.

PrincipalMarsh USASix PPG Place, Suite 400Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5406

I 08/09/2012MIN-AAA

L. Harvey Kirk III

PrincipalUS Department of LaborMine Safety & Health Administration1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2446Arlington, VA 22209-3939

E 3/15/2007

MIN-AAA

James M. Kohl

PrincipalCintas Fire Protection621B Industrial Park RoadCarbondale, IL 62901National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsAlternate: Jeff Krieger

IM 10/28/2008MIN-AAA

Larry J. Moore

PrincipalFM Global11628 Ranch Elsie RoadGolden, CO 80403Alternate: Scott C. Strickling

I 1/1/1988

MIN-AAA

Mario G. Orozco

PrincipalZurich Services Corporation902 West Milburn AvenueMt. Prospect, IL 60056

I 1/10/2002MIN-AAA

Rob Rosovich

PrincipalFireIce Inc.1460 Park Lane South, Suite 1Jupiter, FL 33458

M 03/07/2013

MIN-AAA

Steven A. Sheldon

PrincipalFisher Engineering, Inc.3707 East Southern AvenueMesa, AZ 85206

SE 08/09/2012MIN-AAA

Alex C. Smith

PrincipalNational Institute for Occupational Safety & HealthPittsburgh Research LaboratoryPO Box 18070Pittsburgh, PA 15236

RT 1/16/2003

1



MIN-AAA

Thomas D. Stilwell

PrincipalXtralis, Inc.700 Longwater Drive, Suite 100Norwell, MA 02061

M 8/2/2010MIN-AAA

Brent Sullivan

PrincipalNorth American Coal CorporationCoteau Properties CompanyFreedom Mine204 County Road 15Beulah, ND 58523-9475

U 10/23/2003

MIN-AAA

Bruce Watzman

PrincipalNational Mining Association101 Constitution Avenue, NWSuite 500 EastWashington, DC 20001

U 7/1/1994MIN-AAA

Rick Wells

PrincipalPeabody Energy701 Market StreetSaint Louis, MO 63101

U 03/07/2013

MIN-AAA

Robert A. Wessel

PrincipalGypsum Association6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 480Hyattsville, MD 20782Alternate: Michael A. Gardner

U 4/17/1998MIN-AAA

Chris Yoder

PrincipalPillar Innovations32 Corporate DriveGrantsville, MD 21536

M 03/07/2013

MIN-AAA

Michael A. Gardner

AlternateGypsum Association6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 480Hyattsville, MD 20782Principal: Robert A. Wessel

U 10/27/2009MIN-AAA

Jeff Krieger

AlternateAPS Fire906 Witter StreetPasadena, TX 77506National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsPrincipal: James M. Kohl

IM 03/07/2013

MIN-AAA

Eric Metheny

AlternateArch Coal, Inc.2708 Cranberry SquareMorgantown, WV 26508-9286Principal: Jack Douglas Conaway

U 10/23/2013MIN-AAA

Kendall A. Pate

AlternateAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Principal: J. Emmett Bevins

M 8/9/2011

MIN-AAA

Dennis M. Phillips

AlternateTyco Fire Protection Products1700 Valleyview DriveMount Juliet, TN 37122Principal: Dennis D. Brohmer

M 10/18/2011MIN-AAA

Scott C. Strickling

AlternateFM GlobalCamino Las Carretas 9911Lo BarnecheaSantiago, ChilePrincipal: Larry J. Moore

I 3/1/2011

2



MIN-AAA

Susan Bershad

Staff LiaisonNational Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169-7471

09/05/2012

3

Page 1 of 2

MIN-AAA

Technical Committee on Mining Facilities

First Draft Meeting for NFPA 120 and 122

May 22nd – May 23rd, 2013

Members Present Alternate Present Matt Bujewski – chair Yes David Aden Yes Steven M. Behrens Yes J. Emmett Bevins Yes – phone Kendall A. Pate Dennis Brohmer Yes Dennis Phillips Yes Jack Douglas Conaway Thomas A. Delorie Yes L. Harvey Kirk III Yes – phone Michael G. Kalich Yes -

phone James Kohl Yes Jeff Krieger Larry Moore Scott Strickling Yes Mario Orozco Yes Rob Rosovich Yes – phone Steven Sheldon Yes Alex Smith Yes Thomas Stilwell Yes Brent Sullivan Yes Bruce Watzman Yes – phone Rick Wells Yes Robert Wessel Michael Gardner Chris Yoder yes Eric Metheny (guest) Yes James Rowland (guest)

yes

Susan Bershad (NFPA) yes

1.0 Meeting was called to order by the Chair, Matt Bujewski, at 8:30 am on May 22nd. 2.0 Matt welcomed the new members to the committee and those members present and those

on the phone introduced themselves. 3.0 Susan Bershad gave a presentation on the new process, the schedule for the fall 2014

revision cycle and an overview of the current committee makeup. 4.0 The technical committee reviewed and acted on public input and committee generated

input on 120.

Page 2 of 2

5.0 The technical committee voted to allow the staff liaison to update all of the references in both documents to the most recent edition of the document.

6.0 The technical committee established three task groups to develop comments on three issues for the second draft meeting. These are as follows:

Mobile/Self-propelled/Portable Equipment - We use the terms in both 120 and 122 and there is a need to have a common definition and protection scheme.

Members – Steve Sheldon (lead), James Kohl, Tom Delorie, Scott Strickling

Sprinklers – NFPA 120 Sections 4.3.3.3 and 9.4.6 – The requirements for sprinklers are disjointed and were only slightly revised during the previous overhauls of the standards. There is a need to rewrite the requirements in a more coherent manner and to provide additional guidance to the user on the best practice for underground sprinkler system.

Members – Matt Bujewski (lead), Dennis Phillips, Chris Yoder, Alex Smith, Tom Delorie

122 Task Force - MCC Room Detection/Protection - Review requirements for fire protection for MCC rooms. Any appropriate comments will be carried over to 120 as well.

Members – Mario Orozco (lead), Tom Stillwell, Steve Sheldon, Chris Yoder, Dennis Phillips

7.0 The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pm on May 22nd 8.0 The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am on May 23rd 9.0 The committee continued to review and act on public input and committee generated input

for 120 and then 122. Much of the input for 122 was identical or similar to the input for 120. The committee voted to have the staff liaison develop first revisions for 122 based on the language that the committee agreed to for 120.

10.0 The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon on May 23rd. 11.0 The next meeting of the technical committee will be held the week of January 6th,

2014. Possible locations are Dallas, Phoenix, or Miami.

National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Mining Facilities

FROM: Joanne Goyette, Administrator, Technical Projects

DATE: August 5, 2013

SUBJECT: NFPA 120 First Draft TC FINAL Ballot Results (F2014)

According to the final ballot results, all ballot items received the necessary affirmative votes to pass ballot.

20 Members Eligible to Vote 4 Not Returned (J. E. Bevins, J. D. Conaway, B. Sullivan, and B. Watzman) 13 Affirmative on All (D. Aden, S. Sheldon, and C. Yoder, with Comment) 3 Negatives on one or more first revision: (D. Aden, L. Moore, and S. Sheldon) 0 Abstentions on one or more first revision The attached report shows the number of affirmative, negative, and abstaining votes as well as the explanation of the vote for each first/second revision.

There are two criteria necessary for each first/second revision to pass ballot: (1) simple majority and (2)

affirmative 2/3 vote. The mock examples below show how the calculations are determined.

(1) Example for Simple Majority: Assuming there are 20 vote eligible committee members, 11 affirmative votes are required to pass ballot. (Sample calculation: 20 members eligible to vote ÷ 2 = 10 + 1 = 11)

(2) Example for Affirmative 2/3: Assuming there are 20 vote eligible committee members and 1 member did not

return their ballot and 2 members abstained, the number of affirmative votes required would be 12. (Sample calculation: 20 members eligble to vote – 1 not returned – 2 abstentions = 17 x 0.66 = 11.22 = 12 )

As always please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Eligible to Vote: 20Not Returned : 4J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 15Affirmative with Comment 1

David G. Aden okNegative 0Abstain 0







Eligible to Vote: 20

NFPA 120 MIN-AAA (F2014) First Draft BallotFinal Results

August 5, 2013

FR-84, Section No. 2.3.1, See FR-84

FR-13, Section No. 2.2, See FR-13

Total Voted : 16

Election:120_MIN-AAA_FD_Ballot_F2014

FR-105, Global Input, See FR-105

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/FormLaunch?id=/TerraView/Content/120-2010.ditamap/2/C1369415028021.xml&viewmode=nfpa/xslt/nfpaviewmode.xsl





Not Returned : 4J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 15Affirmative with Comment 1









David G. Aden okNegative 0



Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Abstain 0









Eligible to Vote: 20Not Returned : 4



Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16






J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 15Affirmative with Comment 1












Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16








Steven A. Sheldon Why is the definition different here when compared to 122, and why is the engineered system definition included?

Negative 1David G. Aden the added defination is not pre-engineered

Abstain 0





Eligible to Vote: 20FR-99, Section No. 3.3.42, See FR-99

FR-68, New Section after 3.3.42, See FR-68

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16
















FR-4, New Section after 4.3.1.1.10, See FR-4


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Abstain 0



Eligible to Vote: 20Not Returned : 4J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 14Affirmative with Comment 0Negative 2

David G. Aden when situtional activities require mechanical attention the manufactures instualtion and maintance manuals will be needed for compentent hands to correctly replace it

Steven A. Sheldon Design, installation, and testing is covered by the respective design standard. Additionally, why would we single out or limit this to dry or wet chemical systems?

Abstain 0




Chris Yoder This is how the section in NFPA 122 should address multiple types of fire protection with appropriate NFPA documents.

Negative 1David G. Aden not within voting document

Abstain 0

FR-120, Section No. 4.3.3.4, See FR-120

FR-6, Section No. 4.3.3.2.1, See FR-6

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16






David G. Aden not within voting documentAbstain 0


David G. Aden original language leads to better results in the fieldAbstain 0



Steven A. Sheldon The listing of pre-engineered systems is addressed by the respective system standard. There is no need or value to including the proposed language. Additionally, 4.3.3.6.1(2) already requires that systems are approved.

Abstain 0



Eligible to Vote: 20FR-24, Section No. 5.2.2, See FR-24


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16













David G. Aden ok

Steven A. Sheldon Is the term, "no way" really something that we want to include in the standard language? Suggest language similar to 5.3.5.2.1.2 in FR-30

Negative 1Larry J. Moore The proposed new wording "if there is no way for and electrical spark to communicate from the collector

ring to the grease around the center pin then a fire suppression system is not required" should be removed. There are other common ignition sources than static electricity including hot work that can cause fires in center gears on draglines. The assumed presence or lack of ignition sources should never be used to justify fire suppression.

Abstain 0

Eligible to Vote: 20FR-30, Section No. 5.3.5.2, See FR-30


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Not Returned : 4J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 15Affirmative with Comment 0Negative 1

David G. Aden scope to broad. where wouldn't a fire potentially propagate?Abstain 0









FR-78, Section No. 5.3.5.5.3.1, See FR-78

FR-79, Section No. 5.3.5.5.3 [Excluding any Sub-Sections], See FR-79

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Abstain 0




David G. Aden assoiated equipment to broad

Steven A. Sheldon 5.3.6.1.1 potentially introduces a proprietary system and limits protection options.Abstain 0


David G. Aden consider an annex item to maintain original language would provide an acceptable soultion as situation happen

Negative 0Abstain 0


David G. Aden consider annex item to recongize that during breakdown/maintance other manufactures listed devises other than the original could still function as intented

Steven A. Sheldon I remain of the opinion that references to pre-engineered systems should remain under the respective design standard.

Negative 0Abstain 0



Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

FR-27, New Section after 5.3.5.5.3.2, See FR-27

Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16






David G. Aden not within the voting documentAbstain 0









FR-39, New Section after 6.2.1.10, See FR-39

Total Voted : 16

FR-38, Section No. 6.2.1.9 [Excluding any Sub-Sections], See FR-38

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

FR-121, Section No. 5.3.7.3 [New Section after 5.3.7.3], See FR-121

Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16






J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 14Affirmative with Comment 2

David G. Aden ok

Steven A. Sheldon See previous FR comments related to pre-engineered systemsNegative 0Abstain 0








David G. Aden ok



Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Negative 0Abstain 0







Steven A. Sheldon Why is the proposed protection scheme limited to pre-engineered systems?Abstain 0





Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16















David G. Aden ok

FR-110, Section No. A.3.3.3, See FR-110


Total Voted : 16

FR-58, Section No. 10.4.3 [Excluding any Sub-Sections], See FR-58

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Negative 0Abstain 0









Eligible to Vote: 20FR-61, Section No. B.1.1, See FR-61

FR-109, Section No. A.9.4.6.13(4), See FR-109

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

FR-15, New Section after A.3.3.29, See FR-15

Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16
















FR-83, Section No. B.1.2.7, See FR-83


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16





Abstain 0










FR-122, New Section after B.2.2.6, See FR-122


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16


Total Voted : 16

FR-63, Section No. B.2.1, See FR-63

Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16






J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Brent Sullivan, and Bruce WatzmanVote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 15Affirmative with Comment 0Negative 1

David G. Aden not within the voting documentsAbstain 0



FR-62, Section No. B.3, See FR-62

Total Voted : 16

Total Voted : 16


National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Mining Facilities

FROM: Joanne Goyette, Administrator, Technical Projects

DATE: August 1, 2013

SUBJECT: NFPA 122 First Draft TC FINAL Ballot Results (F2014)

According to the final ballot results, all ballot items received the necessary affirmative votes to pass ballot.

20 Members Eligible to Vote 5 Not Returned (J. E. Bevins, J. D. Conaway, T. Delorie, Jr., B. Sullivan, and B. Watzman) 12 Affirmative on All 3 Negatives on one or more first revision: (D.Aden, S. Sheldon, and C. Yoder) 0 Abstentions on one or more first revision The attached report shows the number of affirmative, negative, and abstaining votes as well as the explanation of the vote for each first/second revision.

There are two criteria necessary for each first/second revision to pass ballot: (1) simple majority and (2)

affirmative 2/3 vote. The mock examples below show how the calculations are determined.

(1) Example for Simple Majority: Assuming there are 20 vote eligible committee members, 11 affirmative votes are required to pass ballot. (Sample calculation: 20 members eligible to vote ÷ 2 = 10 + 1 = 11)

(2) Example for Affirmative 2/3: Assuming there are 20 vote eligible committee members and 1 member did not

return their ballot and 2 members abstained, the number of affirmative votes required would be 12. (Sample calculation: 20 members eligble to vote – 1 not returned – 2 abstentions = 17 x 0.66 = 11.22 = 12 )

As always please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Eligible to Vote: 20Not Returned : 5J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Thomas A. Delorie, Jr., Brent Sullivan, and Bruce Watzman

Vote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 14Affirmative with Comment 1



Vote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 14Affirmative with Comment 0Negative 1

David G. Aden original language more appropriateAbstain 0






David G. Aden no section 12.7.3 existAbstain 0


Total Voted : 15

Results by Revision


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15

NFPA 122 MIN-AAA (F2014) First Draft BallotFinal Results

August 1, 2013

















Eligible to Vote: 20


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15







Not Returned : 5J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Thomas A. Delorie, Jr., Brent Sullivan, and Bruce Watzman














Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15



















David G. Aden ok


Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15






Negative 0Abstain 0



David G. Aden leading language to sole propitiatory resultAbstain 0











Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15













David G. Aden nfpa not the pnly tool in the chest

Steven A. Sheldon Inspection, testing, and maintence of systems are covered in the respective system standard. Pre-engineered systems are also addressed in the respective system standard. For example, Section 9.9 of NFPA 17 specifically addresses the installation of pre-engineered systems on mobile equipment. Suggest deleting 4.6.2.1 and 4.6.2.2

Abstain 0



David G. Aden this is an elective choise of the buyer, should not be manitory


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15






Chris Yoder This does not address NFPA 13 for water based systems. The language should be considered to be written to encompass all types of systems with the corresponding NFPA documents. i.e. NFPA 13 for sprinklers, NFPA 750 for water mist, etc.

Steven A. Sheldon Pre-engineered systems are addressed in their respective system standard. There is no need or benefit to including 6.4.1.1. Suggest deleting this section.

Abstain 0



David G. Aden entire section over restrictive, it codifies sole propitiatory monetary gain

Steven A. Sheldon See comments to FR-2 and FR-3. Suggest that 7.4.1 should be deleted. Also, not clear as to what "along with all fire suppression equipment" is intended to convey at the end of 7.4(10), and 7.4(10) and 7.4(11) seem to be redundant to one another.

Abstain 0






David G. Aden extensive scope broadened to muchAbstain 0



Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15






J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Thomas A. Delorie, Jr., Brent Sullivan, and Bruce Watzman


David G. Aden hazards not equalAbstain 0


Vote Selection Votes CommentsAffirmative 14Affirmative with Comment 0Negative 1David G. Aden expansion of scope arbitarary, entire section in excess of hazard, this is an owners elective asset

protectionAbstain 0



David G. Aden when circumstance dictate an equal solution should be achievableAbstain 0



David G. Aden competent is adequate owner needs to be able to select people that they trust and have available

Abstain 0



Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15






J. Emmett Bevins, Jack Douglas Conaway, Thomas A. Delorie, Jr., Brent Sullivan, and Bruce Watzman


David G. Aden new supressin outlined to localized and brief

Steven A. Sheldon Not clear as to the purpose of this section or the changes made. What's left to be not an acceptable means of conveyor belt protection? Also smoke and heat detection is not a means of protection. Why would this be included?

Abstain 0



David G. Aden one shot and its over

Steven A. Sheldon See comments to FR-13Abstain 0








Total Voted : 15

Total Voted : 15

FR-46, Section No. C.1.2.1, See FR-46

Total Voted : 15

FR-15, Section No. C.1.1, See FR-15

Total Voted : 15


















Total Voted : 15

FR-16, Section No. C.2.1, See FR-16

Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15


Total Voted : 15




Public Comment No. 3-NFPA 120-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.42 ]

3.3.42 * Pre-Engineered Systems.

Those systems having predetermined flow rates, nozzle pressures, and quantities of extinguishing agentand having specific pipe size, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible-hose specifications, number orfittings, and number and types of nozzles. [17, 2013]

A.3.3.42 Engineered Systems are those systems requiring individual calculation and design to determinethe flow rates, nozzle pressures, pipe size, area, or volume protected by each nozzle, quantity ofsuppression agent, number and types of nozzles and their placement in a specific system.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment

Definitions must be consistent throughout the NFPA system. The second sentence added by the committee to the NFPA 17 definition is inappropriate as part of an extracted definition and needs to be moved to an annex note or to some other part of the document. Note that definitions are not enforceable in NFPA.

This comment is submitted on behalf of the Glossary committee on terminology.

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler

Organization: GBH International

Affilliation: NFPA GOT

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Oct 29 14:02:02 EDT 2013

Copyright Assignment

I, Marcelo Hirschler, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright inthis Public Comment (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend thatI acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Comment in this or another similaror derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Comment and that I have full power and authority to enter intothis copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Marcelo Hirschler, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and theterms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will,upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...

1 of 3 12/18/2013 2:29 PM

Public Comment No. 4-NFPA 120-2013 [ Section No. 3.3.42 ]

3.3.42 Pre-Engineered Systems.

Those systems having predetermined flow rates, nozzle pressures, and quantities of extinguishing agentand having specific pipe size, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible-hose specifications, number orfittings, and number and types of nozzles. [17, 2013]

A.3.3.42 Pre- Engineered Systems . Engineered systems are defined in NFPA 17 as those systemsrequiring individual calculation and design to determine the flow rates, nozzle pressures, pipe size, area, orvolume protected by each nozzle, quantity of suppression agent, number and types of nozzles and theirplacement in a specific system

.


Definitions of two different terms should not be combined into one definition. If Engineered Systems is not used in NFPA 120 and therefore not to be contained in Chapter 3, but the committee considers it helpful information, the definition of Engineered Systems can be treated as annex material to the definition of Pre-Engineered Systems.

Related Item

First Revision No. 67-NFPA 120-2013 [New Section after 3.3.41]


Submitter Full Name: Susan Desrocher

Organization: Freelance Editor

Affilliation: Member of the Glossary of Terms Technical Advisory Committee

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Nov 11 09:39:08 EST 2013


I, Susan Desrocher, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright inthis Public Comment (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend thatI acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Comment in this or another similaror derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Comment and that I have full power and authority to enter intothis copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Susan Desrocher, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and theterms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will,upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature


2 of 3 12/18/2013 2:29 PM

Public Comment No. 1-NFPA 120-2013 [ Section No. A.4.3.3.6.4 ]

A.4.3.3.6.4

It is the fire suppression system manufacturer's responsibility to have the test performed by a third partyand to prove the adequacy of the system. Where dry chemical systems are used to protect equipment thatincludes heated surfaces that can re-ignite flammable liquid(s), a wet chemical system should may beprovided to cool the normally heated surfaces.


All diesel powered equipment has heated surfaces. Often, a 20 lb or 30 lb dry powder system is all that will fit on underground mining mobile equipment. This requirement will require more system than the machines have room to hold.


Submitter Full Name: Nate Edmondson

Organization: AFEX Fire Suppression Systems

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Oct 08 13:07:19 EDT 2013


I, Nate Edmondson, hereby irrevocably grant and assign to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all and full rights in copyright inthis Public Comment (including both the Proposed Change and the Statement of Problem and Substantiation). I understand and intend thatI acquire no rights, including rights as a joint author, in any publication of the NFPA in which this Public Comment in this or another similaror derivative form is used. I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Public Comment and that I have full power and authority to enter intothis copyright assignment.

By checking this box I affirm that I am Nate Edmondson, and I agree to be legally bound by the above Copyright Assignment and theterms and conditions contained therein. I understand and intend that, by checking this box, I am creating an electronic signature that will,upon my submission of this form, have the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature


3 of 3 12/18/2013 2:29 PM

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Goyette, Joanne

From: Bershad, SusanSent: Thursday, December 19, 2013 11:29 AMTo: Goyette, JoanneSubject: FW: Agenda package for Mining MeetingAttachments: NFPA 120 Sprinkler Revisions v3.docx

From: Matt Bujewski [mailto:[email protected]] Subject: RE: Agenda package for Mining Meeting Susan, The following is from Steve Sheldon and the task group on Mobile/Self‐Propelled Equipment. Please also include in the agenda package. Actions Proposed

The Mobile Equipment definition in 122‐3.3.26 is proposed to be replaced by the existing definition in 120‐3.3.33. This is necessary for consistency between the two documents.

Sections 5.3.7 and 12.3.7 of 120 and 122 respectively are proposed to be retitled, Self‐Propelled Equipment. This is necessary to be consistent with associated subsections and definitions.

New Sections 5.3.8 and 12.3.8 each titled Mobile Equipment is proposed for addition to the respective documents. This is necessary to distinguish between Self‐Propelled Equipment and Mobile Equipment, and to provide a means to address fire protection requirements accordingly.

New Sections 5.3.8.1 and 12.3.8.1 titled Fire Protection are proposed to be included under 5.3.8 and 12.3.8

New Sections 5.3.8.1.1 and 12.3.8.1.1 are proposed to read as follows: o All mobile equipment such as, but not limited to generators, battery charging stations, and skid‐

mounted hydraulic systems, which contain combustible or flammable liquids, or include an appreciable amount of combustible materials that constitute a potential fire hazard, shall be provided with an automatically actuated fire suppression system that is appropriate to the hazard.

Strike, “and small mobile generators” from Sections 5.3.7.1.2 and 12.3.7.1.2. This is necessary to be consistent with the definition of Self‐Propelled Equipment.

I am pretty much done for the year. Have a great holiday. Matt

NFPA 122 Proposed Revisions to Section 122.13.16

13.16* Electrical Equipment Spaces. 13.16.1 The fire risk assessment shall be used to determine fire protection requirements of MCC, switch rooms, cablespreading spaces, cable distribution tunnel and control rooms with electrical switch panels, transformers, and grouped electrical cables. 13.16.2 Electrical equipment shall be installed, tested, inspected, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. 13.16.3 Acceptable fire protection systems for MCC, control rooms, cable-spreading rooms, transformers, and electrical switch rooms shall include, but not be limited to, cutoffs and barriers, smoke or heat detection, fire-retardant coating, automatic sprinklers, water spray systems, foam water systems, gaseous suppression systems, dry chemical systems, and portable extinguishers.

13.16.4 MCCs shall be protected with an acceptable fire protection system. including but not be limited to, 1 Hour cutoffs and barriers, smoke or heat detection, fire-retardant coating, and fire suppression systems. and portable extinguishers. Acceptable fire suppression systems include, automatic sprinklers, water spray systems, foam water systems, gaseous suppression systems, dry chemical systems, The fire risk assessment shall be used to determine if fire suppression is not required for MCCs.

Formatted: Highlight

Formatted: Space After: 0 pt, Line spacing: single, Don'tadjust space between Latin and Asian text, Don't adjust spacebetween Asian text and numbers

Proposal to Revise/Reorganize Sprinkler Requirements for Underground Mines

Task Force Members: Matt Bujewski – chair Chris Yoder Dennis Phillips Alex Smith Tom Delorie

Chapter 4 Changes

I have made changes in red and my comments are in blue. I did not bother to renumber the entire document because there may be further changes and I thought it is easier at this point to use the old numbers. – MJB 4.2.5 Underground Maintenance Shops. 4.2.5.1* Underground maintenance shops that are intended for use longer than 6 months shall be enclosed structures of fire-resistant construction, including floor, roof, roof supports,doors, and door frames, or shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system fire suppression system in accordance with 4.3.3.3. (See 5.3.7.3 for informationon fixed fire suppression systems.) This was a typo in the original document. 4.2.5.2 The shop area shall be ventilated directly to a return airway. 4.2.6* Belt Conveyors. Belt conveyors installed in underground coal mines shall, as a minimum, meet all the requirements of Section 9.4 of this standard. 4.3.3 Fire Protection Systems. 4.3.3.1 General Requirements. 4.3.3.1.1 Mining equipment requiring a fixed fire protection system shall be protected by a system with the capacity to suppress the largest anticipated fires in the protected areas and shall meet the following criteria: (1) They shall be listed or approved for the purpose. (2) They shall be located or guarded so as to be protected against physical damage. (3)*They shall be actuated either automatically or manually. (4)*They shall be provided with an agent distribution hose or pipe secured and protected against damage, including abrasion and corrosion, and shall be flame resistant. (5) They shall be provided with discharge nozzle blowoff caps or other devices or materials to prevent the entrance of moisture, dirt, or other material into the piping. The discharge nozzle protective device shall blow off, blow out, or open upon agent discharge. (6) Water-based systems shall not be required to have nozzle blowoff caps as long as the nozzles are kept free of blockage at all times. (7) (6) The fire protection system shall be installed so that system actuation causes shutdown of the protected equipment. A.4.3.3.1.1(3) Depending on the size of the equipment, additional manual actuators could be needed to provide quick access for activation of the system. A.4.3.3.1.1(4) For further information on flame resistance, see 30 CFR 18.65. A.4.3.3.1.1 (6) Open head deluge and water spray systems can be kept free of blockage by regular flow of water through the system. For example, fire suppression on continuous miners may be flowed once per shift to keep the nozzles clean. Deluge water spray systems at belt drives may be flowed weekly to keep the nozzles clean. 4.3.3.1.2 Automatically actuated systems other than waterbased closed head sprinkler systems shall have a manual actuator capable of being activated from the operator’s compartment or other accessible location. 4.3.3.1.3 Unless otherwise noted in this standard, Ffire protection systems other than automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed and operate in accordance with the applicable NFPA standards. 4.3.3.1.4* Where the nature of a coal mine does not allow the NFPA standards to be followed, systems that provide equivalent protection shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction. A.4.3.3.1.4 For criteria of equivalent protection, see 30 CFR 75.1107-13.

4.3.3.2 Applications. 4.3.3.2.1* The following equipment and facilities shall be protected by approved automatic fire protection systems. Where sprinkler systems are used, they shall satisfy the requirements of 4.3.3.3 through 4.3.3.5.4: (1)*Drive areas of belt conveyors shall be protected in accordance with 9.4.6. (2) Flammable and combustible liquid storage areas shall be protected by either one of the following:

(a) Automatic water-based fixed fire protection systems installed for the protection of Class I or Class II liquid storage areas shall be of the Class B foam–water type. (b) Permanent diesel fuel storage areas shall be protected with a dry-chemical system or a system that provides equivalent protection according to the authority having jurisdiction.

(3) Maintenance shops shall be protected by an approved automatic fire protection system. This is already covered in 4.2.5 (4) Unattended hydraulic equipment shall use fire-resistant hydraulic fluid. (5) Unattended electrical equipment such as enclosed electric motors, controls, transformers, rectifiers, battery chargers, and other equipment that does not have a hydraulic system shall be protected by an approved automatic fire protection system. (6) Unattended electrical equipment located on noncombustible material and spaced at least 0.61 m (2 ft) from coal or other combustible material shall not be required to be protected with an automatic fire suppression system. (7) Unattended electrical equipment located on noncombustible material and separated from coal or other combustible material by a fire-resistive layer or wall shall not be required to be protected with an automatic fire suppression system. A.4.3.3.2.1 Wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems have been found to be the preferred fire suppression systems for underground coal mines for the following reasons: (1) They are the simplest systems available. (2) They are the most reliable systems available. (3) They provide selective operation, because only sprinklers close to the fire operate. (4) They have the best performance record, especially on fires of Class A materials and of Class IIIB combustible liquids. (5) They need minimal maintenance. (6) They are nonelectrical. (7) They use a limited quantity of water. (8) The initial investment is low. The major problem associated with automatic sprinkler systems in underground coal mines is the possibility of exposure to freezing conditions during cold weather. Another problem that can exist in very deep mines is that some of the listed components for automatic sprinkler systems might be unable to withstand the very high water pressure encountered (see U.S. Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation 9451, “Effect of Pressure on Leakage of Automatic Sprinklers”). It is not uncommon to encounter pressures above a gauge pressure of 3448 kPa (500 psi). The committee recommends testing sprinkler system components under anticipated maximum pressures. If sprinkler components are found to be unable to withstand the maximum pressure of the water line, the use of pressure regulators might be necessary. Experience has shown that pressure regulators can require considerable maintenance. Also, if the pressure regulating valve should leak, it might be necessary to provide a small relief valve on the discharge side of the regulating valve to prevent overpressure. A.4.3.3.2.1(1) Under Report No. H0122086, “Suppression of Fires on Underground Coal Mine Conveyor Belts,” the Department of the Interior, U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM), conducted a series of full-scale fire tests. The tests demonstrated that standard, 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in.) orifice, nominal 100°C (212°F) automatic sprinklers, located over the belt on 3 m (10 ft) centers, effectively controlled every test fire while opening only two sprinklers, with residual pressure held to a constant a gauge pressure of 69 kPa (10 psi). From the time that the USBM tests were conducted, underground belts have tended to become wider to carry increased tonnage; therefore, belt fire suppression systems should be designed to supply more sprinklers than indicated by these tests. Because many conveyor belts stretch a long distance in a straight line, a fire scenario would involve only a portion of the belt, regardless of the overall length of the belt. Because the actual incidence of belt fires is low in underground coal mines, and most of those are in the area of the belt drive and the belt takeup, protection of only the area from the discharge pulley to the end of the takeup is needed. If the belt structure contains a deck between upper and lower strands of the belt, automatic sprinklers should be located beneath the deck, virtually doubling the size of the sprinkler system. If the sprinkler system is extended to cover a distance greater than 30.5 m (100 ft) in one direction from the point where the pipe holding the automatic sprinklers along the roof is fed, then a hydraulic calculation of the system is recommended. Long runs of pipe should be flow tested as required by 4.3.3.5.4.1, with the eight open sprinklers installed at the distant end of the pipe run. Branch piping intended to protect limited areas should be piped with adequately sized pipe to carry the required water flow. Table A.4.3.3.2.1(1) should be used to determine the minimum size of pipe. Larger systems should be separately flow tested as required by 4.3.3.5.4.1. Table A.4.3.3.2.1(1) Minimum Pipe Sizes per Number of Sprinklers Pipe Size Maximum Number of Sprinklers on Pipe 1 in. 2 11⁄4 in. 3 11⁄2 in. 5

2 in. 10 2 ½ in. 20 3 in. 40 3 ½ in. 65 4 in. 100 For SI units, 1 in. = 25.4 mm. Added other pipe diameters from NFPA 13 Table 23.5.3.4 per CY comment. This is for an ordinary hazard system. DP commented that this table and all mention of pipe schedule systems should be removed. NFPA 13 has been moving away from pipe schedule systems for many years. We could do that, but most underground coal mines are still installing their own sprinkler systems and they are certainly not hydraulically calculated. 4.3.3.2.2* Air Compressors. Air compressors with motors that exceed 5 horsepower shall be protected by an approved automatic fire protection system interlocked to shut down the power to the compressor and by one of the following: (1) A person in constant attendance, within the line of sight of the compressor, and equipped with a portable fire extinguisher (2) Containment within an enclosure that is constructed of noncombustible materials, ventilated to prevent overheating of the compressor, and designed to provide containment of any possible fire involving the compressor A.4.3.3.2.2 Because many air compressors are moved frequently, the fire suppression system needs to be equally portable. Some compressors that have a deck or lid over the compressor have been fitted with piping and sprinklers attached to the underside of the deck. Other compressors without a deck have suitable piping with at least two sprinklers 3 m (10 ft) apart. The piping is made to be attached to roof bolts or otherwise suitably supported over the centerline of the compressor. The piping needs to be equipped with a pressure switch that prevents the operation of the compressor unless the piping is under pressure and with a flow switch that shuts the compressor down if water flows. If a fire hose is used to connect the piping to a water line, the connection point of the hose to the sprinkler piping should be located so that a fire on the compressor will not damage the fire hose. Most of the following section is just reorganized in a more logical manner for ease of readership. There are some changes and new material, however, and these are in red - MJB 4.3.3.3 Sprinkler System Requirements. 4.3.3.1* Water Supply The water supply shall have enough pressure and flow to provide sprinkler coverage as the sprinkler design is intended. A.4.3.3.1 NFPA 13 requires a minimum 20 psi residual pressure for ordinary hazard pipe schedule sprinkler systems. 4.3.3.1.1 The water supply shall be free of sediment or a strainer shall be provided at the point of sprinkler system connection to the main water line. Section 9.4.6.3.1 requires a strainer with manual flush out connection – CY. I don’t think we need to require a strainer on sprinkler systems other than belt drives. Some mines have good water. - MJB 4.3.3.3.2.1 An indicating, full-flow, slow-opening water control valve shall be located at the tap of the water line supplying the sprinkler system. 4.3.3.3.2.2 When the sprinkler system is put into operation, the slow-opening valve specified in 4.3.3.3.2.1 shall be sealed or locked in the open position, or be provided with a supervisory alarm. 4.3.3.1.3 A pressure gage shall be provided at the point of connection. 4.3.3.1.4 The water line from the water main to the sprinkler system shall be metallic. 4.3.3.1.5 The water line from the water main to the sprinkler system of a belt drive shall be flexible metal or reinforced non-metal if excessive vibration could reduce the reliability of the sprinkler system. 4.3.3.1.5 Fittings and piping shall have a rated pressure higher than the anticipated maximum pressure on the system. The current standard does not have specifics on the water supply for sprinklers. - MJB General Installation Requirements 4.3.3.3.2.15* Piping in sprinkler systems shall comply with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. A.4.3.3.3.2.15 Pipe and fittings that permit limited motion of the pipe are recommended, as they allow the pipe to be held closer to the roof. If threaded fittings are used, steel pipe with extra-strength threaded fittings is recommended. Copper or aluminum or other approved materials might be permitted if it is adequate for the pressure. A number of mines are using aluminum pipe or tubing with groove-type couplings and fittings. Where water pressure does not exceed 3448 kPa (500 psi), grooved couplings having a 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in.) female national pipe thread (FNPT) outlet are being used to provide connections for

sprinklers. Piping put together in this manner can be located closer to an undulating roof, especially if the pipe lengths are short enough to put the couplings (and the automatic sprinklers) on 3 m (10 ft) centers. Mines using groove-type couplings claim that most of the pipe can be precut and grooved in the shop, which simplifies installation underground. Rolled grooves are recommended because they do not reduce the strength of the pipe as much as cut grooves. If cut grooves are used, Schedule 40 or heavier pipe should be used. 4.3.3.3.2.16 Nonmetallic pipe shall not be used downstream of the sprinkler control valve unless investigated and approved for this purpose. 4.3.3.3.2.17 Hangers supporting sprinkler piping shall be metallic. 4.3.3.3.2.18 At least one hanger shall be attached to each length of pipe. 4.3.3.3.2.8* Sprinklers shall be standard orifice pendent, upright, or sidewall-type automatic sprinklers.

A.4.3.3.3.2.8 Some automatic sprinklers might not withstand the water pressure that can be encountered in deep mines. Information on the effect of high water pressure on automatic sprinklers can be found in U.S. Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation 9451, “Effect of Pressure on Leakage of Automatic Sprinklers.” Under U.S. Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation 9538, “Performance of Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Extinguishing Incipient and Propagating Conveyor Belt Fires Under Ventilated Conditions,” NIOSH conducted a series of full-scale fire tests under ventilated conditions of 1.1 and 4.0 m/s (225 and 800 ft/min) for fires up to 10.8 MW. The tests demonstrated that pendent and horizontal sidewall types were both able to extinguish incipient belt fires. Directional sprinklers showed a slightly improved performance in terms of maximum heat release rate at the lower airflow. Both pendent and horizontal sidewall sprinkler types were able to extinguish propagating fires. Horizontal sidewall sprinklers showed an increased effectiveness compared to the pendent sprinklers because of the increased upstream coverage area of the water discharge in terms of maximum heat release rate. 4.3.3.3.2.10* For sprinkler systems installed to protect the equipment and facilities indicated in 4.3.3.2.1(2) through 4.3.3.2.1(7), sprinklers shall be spaced no more than 3.66 m (12 ft) apart, and the protection of any one sprinkler shall not exceed 9.3 m2 (100 ft2). Spaced in accordance with the appropriate requirements of NFPA 13 but not more than 10 ft apart and a maximum overall coverage of 100 sq ft. (I think the standard should call for the requirements not the specific section and that if we are going to include what appear to be extra hazard areas then we should consider limiting the spacing as we are in a coal. – DP I did not make the change. I think we should discuss ‐ MJB

A.4.3.3.3.2.10 The restrictions on sprinkler spacing apply to sprinklers on the same line and those located between sprinklers on adjacent lines. 4.3.3.3.2.11* Sprinklers shall be located so that the discharge will not be obstructed. A.4.3.3.3.2.11 Where sprinkler positioning is such that full coverage can be impaired, such as where a single line of sprinklers protects a belt conveyor with little clearance, a flow test should be conducted to determine if adequate wetting of surface areas is achieved. Additional sprinklers should be provided in the event that adequate coverage is not achieved, or alternative arrangements such as rotated lines or sidewall sprinklers should be considered. Consideration also should be given to the need for noncombustible baffles to protect sprinklers from the discharge of adjacent sprinklers located within 1.8 m (6 ft). 4.3.3.3.2.12 For belt conveyors, the entire top belt surface shall be wetted. This is covered in 9.4.6 so not needed here. 4.3.3.3.2.13 Sprinkler deflectors shall be located at a distance below the roof of not less than 25.4 mm (1 in.) nor greater than 508 mm (20 in.). 12 inches. SHOULD WE SPECIFY CLOSER? 1” – 12” IS WHAT WE RECOMMEND AS A MANUFACTURER AND WHAT MSHA ENFORCES – CY I agree that 12 inches is the standard and this is also what I recommend. I think it was put at 20 inches to allow for the variability of roof elevations. - MJB 4.3.3.3.2.14 Roof cavities containing combustible material such as wood or coal in the area to be protected shall be protected by installation of upright sprinklers within the cavity at the top of riser pipes so that the deflectors are within 508 mm (20 in.) 12 inches of the roof. 4.3.3.3.3 Wet-pipe sprinkler systems shall not be used where chance of freezing exists. 4.3.3.3.2.19 Provision shall be made to drain all parts of the system. 4.3.3.3.2.20 Drain connections shall be sized as shown in Table 4.3.3.3.2.20.

Table 4.3.3.3.2.20 Sizes of Drain Connections Riser or Main Size Size of Drain Connection Up to 2 in. 3⁄4 in. or larger 21⁄2 in. to 31⁄2 in. 11⁄4 in. or larger 4 in. and larger 2 in. only For SI units, 1 in. = 25.4 mm. 4.3.3.3.2.21 Trapped piping sections shall be equipped with auxiliary drains or otherwise arranged to facilitate draining. General Alarm Requirements for Sprinkler Systems 4.3.3.3.2.3 A waterflow switch or alarm valve, with associated inspector’s test connection, capable of detecting the flow through one opened sprinkler shall be installed in the piping feeding the sprinklers. 4.3.3.3.2.3.1 An inspector’s test connection shall be provided at the end of the most remote line of the sprinkler system. 4.3.3.3.2.3.2 The inspector’s test connection shall simulate one sprinkler head in operation for sprinkler systems other than belt drive systems. 4.3.3.3.2.3.3 In addition to the above, the inspector’s test connection for belt drive systems shall simulate a maximum 8 sprinkler heads activating at the same time.

4.3.3.3.2.4 The alarm device shall be connected to an alarm system that will alarm at a constantly attended location. 4.3.3.3.2.5 The alarm device shall provide a local audible and visual alarm. 4.3.3.3.2.5 The alarm system shall identify the sprinkler system involved. 4.3.3.3.2.6 In dry-pipe automatic sprinkler systems, the alarm system shall be actuated by flow through a dry-pipe valve a pressure switch associated with the trim on the dry pipe device. Added wording for clarity.

4.3.3.3.2.7 A paddle-type water flow switch shall not be used in dry pipe systems. This was a mistake in the previous version. The restriction on paddle type flow switches is only for dry pipe systems, but it may also be appropriate for deluge systems. 4.3.3.3.4 Antifreeze System. Where danger of freezing exists, sprinkler systems filled with antifreeze solution shall be permitted and shall meet the requirements of 4.3.3.3.4.1 through 4.3.3.3.4.21.

I am proposing to delete most of what is existing in NFPA 120 and replace with the following section from NFPA 13. NFPA and the fire protection industry now discourages use of anti-freeze systems because testing has shown that the antifreeze solution can spread the fire under certain conditions. I do not know of any testing that has been done specifically on using anti-freeze in coal mines. I have never seen an anti-freeze system used in a coal mine. If there is an area of freezing, dry chemical is typically used. We could eliminate this entire section on antifreeze systems or we could just shorten it and say that if an antifreeze system is used, then is should be installed in accordance with NFPA 13. We do not allow anti-freeze systems for conveyor belt drives so we are only talking about shop areas or battery charging stations, etc.

7.6.2.1* Antifreeze solutions shall be listed for use in sprinkler systems.

A.7.6.2.1 Where existing antifreeze systems have been analyzed and approved to remain in service, antifreeze solutions should be limited to premixed antifreeze solutions of glycerine (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopoeia 96.5 percent) at a maximum concentration of 48 percent by volume, or propylene glycol at a maximum concentration of 38 percent by volume. The use of antifreeze solutions in all new sprinkler systems should be restricted to listed antifreeze solutions only. Where existing antifreeze systems are in service, the solution concentration should be limited to those noted in A.7.6.2.1, and the system requires an analysis and approval of the AHJ to remain in service.

7.6.3 Arrangement of Supply Piping and Valves. 7.6.3.1 Where the connection between the antifreeze system and the wet pipe system does not incorporate a backflow prevention device, and the conditions of 7.6.3.5 are not met, piping and valves shall be installed as illustrated in Figure 7.6.3.1.

FIGURE 7.6.3.1

Arrangement of Supply Piping and Valves.

7.6.3.2* Where the connection between the antifreeze system and the wet pipe system incorporates a backflow prevention device, and the conditions of 7.6.3.5 are not met, piping and valves shall be installed as illustrated in Figure 7.6.3.3 or Figure 7.6.3.4. 7.6.3.2.1 A means shall be provided to perform a full forward flow test in accordance with 8.17.4.6.

7.6.3.3* Where the connection between the antifreeze system and the wet pipe system incorporates a backflow prevention device, and the conditions of 7.6.3.5 are not met, a listed expansion chamber shall be provided to compensate for thermal expansion of the antifreeze solution as illustrated in Figure 7.6.3.3.

FIGURE 7.6.3.3

Arrangement of Supply Piping with Backflow Device.

7.6.3.3.1 When determining the size of the expansion chamber, the precharge air temperature and precharge air pressure shall be included. 7.6.3.3.2 The size of the expansion chamber shall be such that the maximum system pressure does not exceed the rated pressure for any components of the antifreeze system. 7.6.3.4 A listed 1/2 in. (12 mm) relief valve shall be permitted in lieu of the expansion chamber required in 7.6.3.3, provided the antifreeze system volume does not exceed 40 gal (151 L) as illustrated in Figure 7.6.3.4.

FIGURE 7.6.3.4

Arrangement of Supply Piping with Relief Valve and Backflow Device.

7.6.3.5 The requirements of paragraphs 7.6.3.1, 7.6.3.2, and 7.6.3.3 shall not apply where the following three conditions are met:

(1)The antifreeze system is provided with an automatic pressure pump or other device or apparatus to automatically maintain a higher pressure on the system side than on the supply side of the water supply check valve separating the antifreeze system from the water supply.

(2)Provision is made to automatically release solution to prevent overpressurization due to thermal expansion of the solution.

(3)Provision is made to automatically supply premixed solution as needed to restore system pressure due to thermal contraction.

7.6.3.6* A drain/test connection shall be installed at the most remote portion of the system. 7.6.3.7 For systems with a capacity larger than 150 gal (567.8 L), an additional test connection shall be provided for every 100 gal (378.5 L). Delete the following or move to annex to keep as reference for older systems that may be installed. 4.3.3.3.4.1* If automatic sprinkler systems are connected to public water supplies or to piping supplying water for drinking, antifreeze solutions other than water solutions of pure glycerine [chemically pure (CP) or U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) 96.5 percent grade] or propylene glycol shall not be used.

A.4.3.3.3.4.1 Local plumbing or health codes should be consulted for specific requirements and permissibility. 4.3.3.3.4.2 The glycerine–water and propylene glycol–water mixtures provided in Table 4.3.3.3.4.2 shall be permitted to be used. 4.3.3.3.4.3 If automatic sprinkler systems are not connected to public water systems or to piping that supplies water for drinking, the commercially available materials shown in Table 4.3.3.3.4.3 shall be permitted to be used in antifreeze solutions. 4.3.3.3.4.4* A soft-seat check valve shall be connected to the tee in the water line feeding the automatic sprinkler system. A.4.3.3.3.4.4 A tee or tees should be located at any high point where a sizable volume of air can be trapped. The tee should be fitted with a valve or plug to allow venting of air while the system is filled with antifreeze solution. 4.3.3.3.4.5 The water control valve shall be connected close to the discharge side of the check valve. 4.3.3.3.4.6 A 6.35 mm (1⁄4 in.) soft-seat relief valve made of corrosion-resistant bronze or stainless steel shall be connected to the sprinkler piping near the shutoff valve. 4.3.3.3.4.7 The relief valve shall be set to open at a pressure of 1380 kPa (200 psi) above the maximum water-line pressure (i.e., the maximum system pressure). 4.3.3.3.4.8* A suitable air chamber shall be connected to the piping.

A.4.3.3.3.4.8 The purpose of the air chamber is to absorb the expansion of the liquid that takes place when the system is warmed by summer temperatures. The relief valve protects against excessive pressure that can occur if the chamber does not contain sufficient air. The chamber can easily be filled with compressed air if a high-pressure compressor is available; however, care should be used during pressurizing to avoid overpressure beyond the strength of the chamber. An alternative method is to use the water pressure to compress air into the chamber. The piping has to be empty of liquid. The drain and vent valves are closed. The chamber is connected to a high point of the piping, and the valve on the chamber is opened. The shutoff valve is partly opened so the piping will fill with water, but not too rapidly. The water compresses the air into the chamber to the proper pressure. The valve on the chamber is closed, and the piping is drained. The piping is then filled with mixed antifreeze solution, and the system can be put into operation. The formula for percent of air chamber volume to volume of system piping, as follows, should be used to calculate the minimum volume of the air chamber or the volume of the solution withdrawn: Omited equation because of formatting. where: Vc = Volume of air chamber. Vs = Total volume of system piping. = Effective coefficient of expansion. (TableA.4.3.3.3.4.8 shows the variation of different solution concentrations for steel and aluminum pipe.) T = Total maximum expected temperature range to which the system will be exposed, from the highest in summer to the lowest in winter, in degrees Celsius. P 1 = Maximum waterline pressure. Pm = Maximum pressure designed for the sprinkler system. This pressure is the pressure setting of the relief valve. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, describes another satisfactory method to limit pressure. It uses a check valve with a small hole drilled in the clapper of the check valve and a U-loop pipe having a minimum drop of 1.5 m (5 ft). The check valve and the U-loop have to be installed in a nonfreezing area, and often the height might not allow a 1.5m(5 ft) U-loop. 4.3.3.3.4.9 The connection port to the chamber shall be fitted with a small, high-pressure, corrosion-resistant ball valve. 4.3.3.3.4.10 The connection from the ball valve to the sprinkler piping shall be permitted to use a small-diameter hydraulic hose having a working pressure of at least the maximum system pressure. 4.3.3.3.4.11 The air chamber shall be filled with compressed air at a pressure equal to the maximum water-line pressure. Table 4.3.3.3.4.2 Properties of Water-Based Solutions Material Solution(by volume) Specific Gravity at 15.6°C (60°F) Freezing Point °C °F Glycerine (CP or USP grade) 50% water 1.133 26.1 15

40% water 1.151 30.0 22 30% water 1.165 40.0 40

Propylene glycol 70% water 1.027 12.8 +9 60% water 1.034 21.1 6 50% water 1.041 32.2 26 40% water 1.045 51.1 60

CP: chemically pure; USP: U.S. Pharmacopeia 96.5%. Note: Based on a hydrometer scale 1.000 to 1.200 (subdivisions 0.002). Table 4.3.3.3.4.3 Antifreeze Solutions to Be Used If Public Water Is Not Connected to Sprinklers Material Solution (by volume) Specific Gravity at 15.6°C (60°F) Freezing Point °C °F Glycerine* Diethylene glycol 50% water 1.078 25.0 13

45% water 1.081 32.8 27 40% water 1.086 41.1 42

Ethylene glycol 61% water 1.056 23.3 10 56% water 1.063 28.9 20 51% water 1.069 34.4 30 47% water 1.073 40.0 40

Propylene glycol* Calcium chloride 80% “flake,” fire protection grade†

2.83 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.183 17.8 0 Add corrosion inhibitor

of sodium bichromate, 1⁄4 oz/gal water

3.38 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.212 23.3 10 3.89 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.237 28.9 20 4.37 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.258 34.4 30 4.73 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.274 40.0 40 4.93 lb CaCl2/gal water 1.283 45.6 40

For SI units, 1 lb/gal = 0.119 kg/L. Note: Based on a hydrometer scale 1.000 to 1.200 (subdivisions 0.002). *See Table 4.3.3.3.4.2. †Free from magnesium chloride and other impurities. 4.3.3.3.4.12 Where connected to the system piping, the air chamber shall be oriented so that the connection port is located at the bottom of the chamber. 4.3.3.3.4.13 With the shutoff valve still closed, the sprinkler piping shall be filled with the antifreeze solution, and the following procedures shall be performed: (1) High points of the piping shall be vented to obtain reasonably complete filling. (2) The valve on the air chamber shall be opened and sealed. (3) If possible, the pressure of the antifreeze solution shall be raised to the line pressure before the shutoff valve is opened and sealed. (4) Finally, the system shall be checked carefully for leaks. 4.3.3.3.4.14*With all other fill, drain, and vent valves closed, a high-pressure air compressor shall be connected to a valve opening, and pressure in the piping shall be raised at least to the water-line pressure. A.4.3.3.3.4.14 An alternative arrangement to an air chamber is to fully fill the sprinkler piping with antifreeze solution and then withdraw a suitable volume to create an air chamber. A recommended formula for calculating the volume to be withdrawn can be found in A.4.3.3.3.4.8. A number of coal mines have used antifreeze systems successfully but without an air chamber. The method used to fill the antifreeze systems is to calculate the amount of antifreeze (usually ethylene glycol) needed to protect the full volume of the piping. This amount is put into the empty system. Then with the drain and test valves closed, the shutoff valve is opened, allowing water to flow into the piping. This process traps air in the system, which absorbs expansion of the liquid. While this method does not provide accurate control of the concentration of the antifreeze solution, and initially the mixing is not uniform, it does work if done before cold weather arrives. It appears that the mix became uniform in about a month. This method of filling the sprinkler piping allows the piping system to be simpler than the method that uses a special air chamber; however, it does pose certain problems. First, it should be recognized that compressed air can find leaks in piping that holds a liquid successfully. Also, air leaks are difficult to find, while liquid leaks are obvious. Finally, because of the greater contact between the air and the liquid in this method, there is a greater chance that the liquid will absorb more of the air than occurs in the alternative system. Therefore, it is recommended that the volume of liquid removed be substantially greater than the calculation. It is important to recognize that any loss of air by leakage or solubility will be replaced by water from the waterline. This also occurs as cold weather comes on, and the liquid contracts as it cools. This results in dilution of the antifreeze solution. The formulation of the antifreeze solution tends to provide more antifreeze than is indicated by Table 4.3.3.3.4.2 and Table 4.3.3.3.4.3, so the system can live with some dilution. Also, a second test of the antifreeze solution should be performed annually, so that mines using these antifreeze solutions gain experience in the safe operation of these systems. 4.3.3.3.4.15 The valve at the opening shall be closed, and the valve shall be plugged. 4.3.3.3.4.16 The system shall be checked for leaks, especially in the area of the piping where the air is believed to exist. 4.3.3.3.4.17 If the pressure gauge shows that the system is still tight after 24 hours, the shutoff valve shall be opened, making the system operational. 4.3.3.3.4.18 The shutoff valve shall be sealed in the open position. 4.3.3.3.4.19 Sprinkler systems filled with antifreeze solution shall employ antifreeze solution mixtures that are rated for the lowest temperature to which the sprinkler system could be exposed. 4.3.3.3.4.20* The antifreeze solution shall be mixed and tested before being pumped into the sprinkler system piping.

A.4.3.3.3.4.20 The major reason for changing the method of filling and mixing is that, with the old method, there was a chance of discharging nearly pure antifreeze on a fire if it occurred before the mix became uniform. The glycols and glycerin are combustible liquids unless they are mixed with water to create solutions, as shown in Table 4.3.3.3.4.2 and Table 4.3.3.3.4.3. Solutions of calcium chloride are inherently fire safe. Glycol or glycerin solutions are quite safe when applied at the minimum rate. In addition, continued flow of the sprinkler system will quickly discharge all the antifreeze solution, after which the discharge is water only. Care should be used in making calcium chloride–water solutions, because mixing flake calcium chloride and water will give off some heat. Also, the corrosion inhibitor is classified as a toxic chemical. Strict adherence to product safety data sheets, available from suppliers, should be followed. 4.3.3.3.4.21 A pressure gauge shall be provided in a protected location on the downstream side of the shutoff valve. 4.3.3.3.5* Dry-Pipe System. Where danger of freezing exists, a dry-pipe sprinkler system shall be permitted and shall meet the requirements of 4.3.3.3.5.1 through 4.3.3.3.5.7. A.4.3.3.3.5 Dry-pipe automatic sprinkler systems are more complex and more difficult to design and install than wet-pipe systems. The committee recommends that all systems be designed and installed at a mine by skilled and experienced personnel. A pressure relief valve, set to relieve at a pressure below the maximum pressure rating of the dry-pipe valve, should be installed between the pressure regulating valve and the dry-pipe valve. The reclosing pressure of the relief valve should be higher than the set pressure of the regulating valve. 4.3.3.3.5.1 The dry-pipe valve and its accessories shall be installed in a separate area and shall be protected against freezing and mechanical injury. 4.3.3.3.5.2 If the separate area described in 4.3.3.3.5.1 is ventilated with return air, all electrical components shall be permissible or intrinsically safe. 4.3.3.3.5.3 Water pressure shall be regulated not to exceed the maximum pressure specified by the manufacturer of the dry-pipe valve. 4.3.3.3.5.4 The dry-pipe valve shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 4.3.3.3.5.5 Mechanical grooved couplings, including gaskets used on dry-pipe systems, shall be listed for dry-pipe service. 4.3.3.3.5.6 Operation of the dry-pipe system and supervision of the system, including pressure of the air supply, shall be signaled to an attended location. Signaling to an attended location shall be permitted to utilize alarm systems serving fire detection equipment. 4.3.3.3.5.7 The system air supply shall be provided from a reliable source such as a dedicated compressor and shall be equipped with an air maintenance device. 4.3.3.3.2.9 Sprinklers shall be installed in the upright position on a dry-pipe system or be listed dry type or horizontal side-wall sprinklers installed according to the listing for dry pipe systems. More options for user. Protection of Specific Hazards 4.3.3.3.1* Automatic water-based fixed fire protection systems installed for the protection of Class I or Class II liquid storage areas shall be of the foam–water type. A.4.3.3.3.1 Underground shaft mines that use diesel powered equipment generally employ underground diesel fuel storage areas to facilitate equipment refueling. Adit-type mines in the western United States might initially locate diesel fuel storage and refueling facilities on the surface; however, as the active mine workings progress farther from the adit portal(s), these facilities will likely be moved underground. A common means of fire protection currently found in many underground diesel fuel storage areas is the use of fixed water sprinkler systems. However, it is felt that this situation represents a significant safety hazard. According to the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, water sprinklers can be permitted to be used on diesel fuel for control but not for extinguishment. In “The Health and Safety Implications of the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Mines,” a report by an interagency task group prepared for MSHA in 1985, the simple conclusion was that “water spray or fog usually will not extinguish diesel fuel fires.” In an underground coal mine, fire control is not sufficient; fire extinguishment is essential for the following reasons: (1) Unlike an underground metal or nonmetal mine, the mineral in a coal mine is combustible, and, indeed, all fire prevention and protection provisions in an underground coal mine are aimed at preventing the ignition of the coal. In a metal or nonmetal mine, if fire control efforts are unsuccessful in extinguishing a fire on a piece of diesel equipment or a diesel fuel fire, personnel can be evacuated and the fire can be allowed to consume all available fuel materials, thereby self-extinguishing. In an underground

coal mine, this practice would almost certainly result in the ignition of the coal and the consequent loss of part or all of the mine. (2) Even if a fire does not grow in intensity or spread to the coal, toxic smoke and fire gases are produced as long as it burns, which can endanger persons within the mine. (3) According to the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, overpressure failure of containers exposed to fire is considered the principal hazard of closed-container flammable and combustible liquid storage. (4) Even a “controlled” fire can cause such container failure, producing a fire so intense that the sprinkler system is unable to control it, much less extinguish it. (5) Water sprays are not effective in extinguishing pressure fires, running fuel fires, and obstructed spill fires, all of which could occur in a diesel refueling area. (6) Water supplies are limited in many underground mines. Fire “control” should be considered temporary, because when the water supply is depleted, the fire will grow immediately to the maximum intensity. (7) The vapor pressure of diesel fuel increases with elevation, due to reduced barometric pressure. As a result, even fuels without flash point–reducing additives can become flammable, depending on the altitude at which they are used. This reduction in flash point can result in reclassification of the diesel fuel to a Class IC flammable liquid. There is no clear consensus in the literature and industry practice as to the effectiveness of fixed water sprays in controlling and extinguishing fires involving Class IC flammable liquids. Although industry practice strongly favors fixed water sprays for such applications, the literature and available research results clearly indicate the ineffectiveness of fixed sprays on Class IC liquids, especially in the case of pressure fires, running fuel fires, and obstructed spill fires. Therefore, water sprinkler systems installed for the protection of diesel fuel storage areas are considered inadequate; foam–water systems should be utilized. See the applicable sections of NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems. 4.3.3.3.2* Where the requirements of Section 9.4.6 dealing with underground belt drives 8.2 are satisfied by installing automatic sprinkler systems, such systems shall comply with the requirements of 4.3.3.3. 4.3.3.3.2.1 and 4.3.3.3.2.2. Belt drive sprinklers should meet all of the requirements of this newly re-worded section. A.4.3.3.3.2 The alarm system that serves sprinklers protecting the drive area of a belt conveyor also should be permitted to serve as the fire detection system installed over that portion of the belt conveyor. 4.3.3.5 Automatic Sprinkler System Acceptance Testing. 4.3.3.5.1 Flushing of Water-Line Connections. 4.3.3.5.1.1 Water-line connections and lead-in connections shall be flushed at the maximum flow rate available before connection is made to the sprinkler piping in order to remove foreign material. 4.3.3.5.1.2 Flushing shall be continued until the water is clear. 4.3.3.5.2 Flow Testing of Sprinkler Systems. 4.3.3.5.2.1 Wet-pipe closed automatic sprinkler systems shall be flow-tested by operating flow through the maximum number of sprinklers expected to open, but not through fewer than eight open sprinklers. at least one sprinkler head for non-belt drive areas and at least eight sprinkler heads for belt drive areas. This section on flow testing was originally written only for belt drive areas. We are now expanding it to include all areas with sprinklers and the non-belt drive areas need different requirements. 4.3.3.5.2.2 If the system contains fewer than eight sprinklers, all sprinklers or an inspector’s test simulating all sprinklers, shall be flow-tested as specified in 4.3.3.5.2.1. 4.3.3.5.2.3 With a water flow and pressure that is present under normal mine operating conditions, if the residual pressure measured downstream of the opened sprinklers is 70 kPa (10 psi) or greater for belt drive systems and 20 psi for all other systems, the system shall be considered acceptable. This testing should occur during system operation in my opinion and not after hours or during shut down as the flow results will vary. If they are required to do it during shut down then I would recommend a higher residual flow pressure to account for the water usage during operation at it would likely skew your results. – DP The 20 psi is based on one sprinkler head flowing and the 10 psi for belt drives is based on 8 sprinkler heads flowing. MJB

4.3.3.5.2.4 Closed sprinkler systems installed to protect areas where the water discharge could damage the area or its contents shall not be required to be tested by operating flow through opened sprinklers. 4.3.3.5.2.5 Where the condition(s) in 4.3.3.5.2.4 exist, the alternative test of operating flow through a 51mm(2 in.) valve test connection shall be permitted to be used. 4.3.3.5.2.6 Portable sprinkler systems that are dismantled and reinstalled in new areas shall be flow-tested following the

initial installation. I would consider putting language into play here that the heads needs to be replaced as a part of that process. NFPA 25 is going to start requiring new heads for any removed heads starting in the next standard, or so I understand. – DP This should probably be discussed by the whole committee. ‐ MJB

4.3.3.5.3 Tests of Dry-Pipe Sprinkler Systems. 4.3.3.5.3.1 Where there is no risk of freezing, new dry-pipe systems shall be flow-tested and hydrostatically tested in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. 4.3.3.5.3.2 A dry-pipe valve shall be tested according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 4.3.3.5.3.3* Where there is risk of freezing in dry-pipe systems, an air pressure of 276 kPa (40 psi) shall be pumped up and allowed to stand 24 hours, and all leaks that allow a loss of pressure over 10.3 kPa (11⁄2 psi) during the 24 hours shall be stopped. A.4.3.3.5.3.3 The clapper of a differential-type dry-pipe valve should be held off its seat during any test in excess of 345 kPa (50 psi), to prevent damaging the valve. 4.3.3.4 Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing. 4.3.3.4.1 All fire suppression systems shall be tested after installation in accordance with the appropriate NFPA standard. 4.3.3.4.2 If an applicable NFPA standard does not exist, then a fire suppression system shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s or designer’s instruction manual. 4.3.3.4.3 Testing shall not require the discharge of suppressant unless there is no other satisfactory manner in which the reliability and integrity of the system can be verified. 4.3.3.4.4 Fire suppression systems, alarms, and interlocks shall be inspected at least weekly and maintained in accordance with the appropriate NFPA standard. If an applicable NFPA standard does not exist, then the fire suppression system, alarm, and interlock shall be examined and checked thoroughly for proper operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s or designer’s manual. This is kind of redundant to the above three paragraphs. Can we remove it? Yes - AS 4.3.3.4.5 All persons who inspect, test, operate, or maintain fire suppression systems shall be trained. Annual refresher training shall be provided. 4.3.3.5.4 Sprinkler System Maintenance. (Renumber as part of 4.3.3.4) 4.3.3.5.4.1 All sprinkler systems shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements or in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. 4.3.3.5.4.2* As a minimum, all closed head sprinkler systems, except antifreeze systems, shall be retested annually by operating

flow through the end of line drain(s) for the system fitting in all lines to remove any silt buildup. Does this seem over the top? To remove the fitting every year off every branch line to check for silt would require a lot of cost on the owners part. – DP I don’t think it is the intent to remove every branch line. Reworded for clarity. ‐ MJB A.4.3.3.5.4.2 The system could have several end of line drains if parts of the system dead end. 4.3.3.5.4.2 (1) If pendent sprinklers are used on wet-type sprinkler systems, the end sprinkler on each line shall be removed and examined annually to check for silt buildup. 4.3.3.5.4.2 (2) If silt buildup is found, all sprinklers on the line shall be removed, the line flushed, and new sprinklers installed. 4.3.3.5.4.3* As a minimum, deluge sprinklers and deluge water-spray systems shall be flow tested on a monthly basis. A.4.3.3.5.4.3 Deluge sprinklers may need to be flowed more frequently than monthly in order to keep the sprinklers clean. If caps are not used on water spray systems, they also may need to be flowed more frequently than monthly to keep the nozzles clean. 4.3.3.5.4.5 Antifreeze Systems. (Renumber as part of 4.3.3.4)

(A) Each year at the onset of freezing weather, a small amount of antifreeze shall be drawn from the drain valve and the test valve(s) and tested with a hydrometer to ensure that the solution is suitable for the lowest temperature expected. (B) If the test described in 4.3.3.5.4.5(A) shows that the solution is not suitable, the solution shall be replaced.

Chapter 9 Changes

9.4.6 Automatic Fire Suppression Systems at the Belt Drive. 9.4.6.1 Deluge water spray systems, foam systems, closed head sprinkler systems, or dry-chemical systems automatically actuated by rise in temperature shall be installed at main and secondary belt conveyor drives. Add wet chemical systems? – DP Any testing been done on using wet chemical systems on coal conveyor belts? MJB 9.4.6.1.1 If sprinkler or water spray systems are installed, they shall comply with 4.3.3.3 and 9.4.6.3 of this standard. 9.4.6.1.2 If dry chemical systems are installed, they shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 17 (Standard for Dry Chemical Systems) and the manufacturer’s instructions. 9.4.6.2 Fire suppression systems shall extend to the drive areas of belt conveyors, including drive motor(s), reducer, head pulley,and belt storage unit (takeup), including any hydraulic power unit; its electrical controls; and the top and bottom of the first 15.2 m (50 ft) of belt from the drive on the downwind side and the first 12.6 m (25 ft) of belt on the upwind side. MSHA STATES 50’ CENTERED OVER THE DRIVE PLUS THE ENTIRE TAKE-UP, DO WE WANT TO CONSIDER REVISING THIS LANGUAGE? – CY Actual language is 75.1101‐7 “Each sprinkler system shall provide protection for the motor drive belt takeup, electrical controls, gear reducing unit, and the 50 feet of fire‐resistant belt, or 150 feet of nonfire‐resistant belt adjacent to the belt drive” and 75.1101‐8 “Two or more branch lines, at least one of which shall be above the top belt and one between the top and bottom belt, shall be installed in each sprinkler system to provide a uniform discharge of water to the belt surface.” AS The MSHA regulation does not specify that it should be centered over the drive. The regulation just says 50 feet from the drive and I believe it should be downwind because that will be the movement of the fire. Added 25 feet on upwind side to be more consistent with MSHA interpretation. - MJB

9.4.6.3 Water Based Fire Suppression Systems 9.4.6.3.1 Water Supply 9.4.6.6 The water supply shall be free of excessive sediment and corrosives and a strainer with a flush-out connection and manual shutoff valve shall be provided. 9.4.6.3.2 The water supply shall provide the required flow for not less than 10 60 minutes. I have changed this to 60 minutes based on comments by Alex and Dennis and new research by NIOSH. I chose 60 minutes because NFPA 13 has a minimum 60 minutes for ordinary hazard occupancies. We already have a requirement for a 24 hour water supply for underground mines. Making it 60 minutes specifically for belt drive sprinklers should not be a hardship. MJB 9.4.6.3.3 It is acceptable to have an approved or listed flexible connection from the water main to the pressure reducing device or shutoff valve to the sprinkler system. Allowing flexible connection. We currently do not mention this. 9.4.6.3.3.1 The flexible connection shall be reinforced metal or rubber and rated at a pressure that exceeds the maximum water pressure expected on the system. 9.4.6.3.3.2 If a non-metallic connection is used, the connection shall not be within 10 feet of the belt drive motors or primary roller drive. I AM NOT A FAN OF NON-METALLIC CONNECTIONS, PERIOD. NEW EQUIPMENT MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN METALLIC LISTED COMPONENTS EVEN FOR THIS PURPOSE – CY I would agree with Chris and remove the language for non metal and maybe stronger language as well on the pressure requirements to be (x%) above the system pressure. – DP Now would be a good time to bring up the following: CFR50 Part 75 language is very sparse on requirements, basically 75.1101‐6 to 75.1101‐11. [acs35]. It defaults to NFPA for everything else. 75.1101‐7: ”The fire‐control components of each water sprinkler system shall be installed, as far as practicable in accordance with the recommendations set forth in National Fire Protection Association 1968‐69 edition, Code No. 13, "Installation of Sprinkler Systems" and such systems' components shall be of a type approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual Research Corp.” We should implore MSHA to at least update the regs to the current NFPA standards and include NFPA 120‐9.4.6. ‐ AS

9.4.6.3.4 If a pressure regulator is used, it shall be set below the maximum pressure allowed by the pressure rating of the piping and fittings. 9.4.6.3.5 If a pressure regulator is used, it shall be inspected and tested on a weekly basis to insure that it is functioning properly and the sprinkler system has the required amount of pressure.

9.4.6.3.6 General Sprinkler Requirements 9.4.6.3.6.1 9.4.6.13 Sprinkler systems shall meet the following requirements: (1) The sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, as far as practical, and shall have components that have been listed. (2) The water supply shall be capable of supplying a constant flow of water with all heads functioning for a period of 10 minutes. This is now covered in 9.4.6.3.2. (2) (3) The sprinkler head activation temperature shall not be less than 65.6°C (150°F) or greater than 148.9°C (300°F). (3) (4)*Sprinklers shall be kept free of excessive rock dust, muck, conveyor string, or any other material that can block the discharge or insulate the fusible link. A.9.4.6.13(4) Sprinklers should not be covered in order to protect the sprinkler heads. Over time, the protective covering could itself become covered with rock dust or muck and reduce the effectiveness of the sprinkler system. The 2007 testing by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) has shown that covered sprinkler heads greatly increase the response time index and interfere with the spray pattern of the sprinkler head. (4) 9.4.6.4 The application rate shall not be less than 10.2 L/min/m2 (0.25 gpm/ft2) of the top surface of the top belt, bottom surface of the top belt, and top surface of the lower belt.

(5) The minimum pressure necessary for the required sprinkler application rate shall be determined and maintained at all times. (6) 9.4.6.5 The discharge shall be directed at both the upper and the bottom surface of the top belt and the upper surface of the bottom belt. This restates what is in 9.4.6.2 AS Also covered in (4) above. ‐ MJB

(7) 9.4.6.7 Maximum distance between nozzles on a branch line shall not exceed 2.4 m (8 ft). (8) 9.4.6.3 Piping for the deluge, foam, or closed-head sprinkler system shall be metal and listed for sprinkler applications. (9) 9.4.6.3.1* Sprinkler piping shall be supported by UL-listed pipe hangers or other substantial metal supports such as angle iron, U bolts, or heavy chain. A.9.4.6.3.1 Pipe hangers should be designed to support five times the weight of the water-filled pipe plus 114 kg (250 lb) at each point of piping support. Hanger rods should be at least 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) thick for pipe up to 102 mm (4 in.). U hooks should be at least 8 mm (5⁄16 in.) thick for pipes up to 50.8 mm (2 in.). Eye rods should be at least 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) thick for pipe up to 102 mm (4 in.). This information is taken from Section 9.1 of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. (10) 9.4.6.8 The system shall be interlocked to shut down the conveyor and provide an audible and a visual alarm. (11) 9.4.6.9 The components of the system shall be located so as to minimize the possibility of damage by roof fall or by the moving belt and its load. 9.4.6.10 Fire suppression systems shall also comply with 4.3.3.3. Added it in 9.4.6.1.1 9.4.6.3.7 9.4.6.11 Deluge Water Spray Deluge water spray systems shall meet the requirements of 9.4.6.11.1 through 9.4.6.11.3. 9.4.6.11.1 The system shall be activated by heat detectors or no less effective means.

9.4.6.11.1.1 Heat detectors shall be located at the belt drive, hydraulic takeup unit (unless fire-resistive fluid is used), discharge roller, and the roof above the conveyor. 9.4.6.11.1.2 Heat detectors at the roof line should be spaced 2.4 m to 3.0 m (8 ft to 10 ft) apart along the entire length of the protected area of the belt. 9.4.6.11.2 The water spray nozzles shall be full cone, corrosion resistant (if less than 3/8-inch inside diameter or K-factor 4.2 or lower), and provided with blow-off dust covers. This clarifies the need for corrosion resistance for the small spray nozzles, but it is not necessary for larger spray nozzles or sprinkler heads.

9.4.6.11.3 If water spray sprinklers or open head sprinklers are used, blow-off dust covers are not required to keep them clean. 9.4.6.11.3 A closed sprinkler head shall be used over the electrical controls.

9.4.6.3.8 9.4.6.12 Foam Systems Foam systems shall meet the requirements of 9.4.6.12.1 through 9.4.6.12.4. 9.4.6.12.1 The system shall be activated by heat detectors or no less effective means.

9.4.6.12.1.1 Heat detectors shall be located at the belt drive, hydraulic takeup unit (unless fire-resistive fluid is used), discharge roller, and the roof above the conveyor. 9.4.6.12.1.2 Heat detectors at the roof line should be spaced 2.4 m to 3.0 m (8 ft to 10 ft) apart along the entire length of the protected area of the belt. 9.4.6.12.2 The nozzles shall be full cone, corrosion resistant (if less than 3/8-inch inside diameter or K-factor 4.2 or lower), and provided with blow-off dust covers. 9.4.6.12.3 The system shall have a capacity to last 25 minutes. 9.4.6.12.4 A closed sprinkler head should be used over the electrical controls.

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Technical Committee on Mining Facilities - NFPA · Technical Committee on Mining Facilities ... 1979 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 E 3/1/2011 ... Eric Metheny U 3/4/2009 MIN-AAA