CHAPTER 8. FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

1.

GENERAL.

a.

Scope. This chapter provides guidance for the design and

selection of equipment for preventing and extinguishing fires in hyperbaric

chambers. Equipment and procedures currently in use to overcome fire hazards

peculiar to hyperbaric facilities are described and reviewed. The

requirements and guidance of this chapter are applicable to all U.S. Navy

chambers for occupancy by one or more persons and to chambers used to test

animals or equipment. Various codes and standards applicable to fire

protection in hyperbaric systems are listed.

b.

Codes and Standards. The following is a list of National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards (Reference (1)) which are

applicable to hyperbaric systems, chambers, and buildings.

(1) NFPA No. 56D

Hyperbaric Facilities

(2) NFPA No. 70

National Electrical Code

(3) NFPA No. 13

Installation of Sprinkler Systems

(4) NFPA No. 53M

Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres

(5) NFPA No. 56A

Inhalation Anesthetics

(6) NFPA No. 701

Fire Tests, Textiles

(7) NFPA No. 50

Bulk Oxygen Systems

Also applicable are NAVFAC DM-8 Fire Protection Engineering (Reference (2))

and the U.S. Navy Diving Manual, NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9012 (Reference (3)).

c.

Requirements. All hyperbaric facilities of the U.S. Navy must

comply with the appropriate sections of the codes and standards applicable to

the specific type of installation. If there is a conflict between this

manual and any specific code, this manual will supersede for Navy systems.

2.

FIRE PROTECTION.

a.

Water Spray. A fixed water spray system shall be installed in all

chambers designed for occupancy by more than three people.

b.

Spray Density.

Sufficient spray nozzles shall be

installed to

provide uniform spatial coverage with horizontal and vertical

jets and a

minimum density at floor level of two gallons per square foot

per minute.

For a horizontal cylindrical chamber, the floor is assumed to

be 1/4 diameter

up from the bottom.

c.

Spray Duration. The minimum duration of application shall be 30

seconds with an additional 30 seconds reserve.