Fixed fire extinguishing/suppression systems are commonly used to protect areas containing valuable or critical equipment such as data processing rooms, telecommunication switches, and process control rooms.
Their main purpose is to quickly extinguish a developing fire and alert occupants before extensive damage occurs by filling the protected area with a gas or chemical extinguishing agent.
29 CFR 1910.160 contains specific provisions for fixed system.
1. Fixed fire extinguishing and suppression systems are commonly used to _____.
a. protect employees in office spacesOSHA's fixed extinguishing systems standard applies to all employers who have a fixed extinguishing system installed to meet a particular OSHA standard, with the exception of automatic sprinkler systems that are covered by 29 CFR 1910.159.
29 CFR 1910.160 contains specific provisions for any fixed system, regardless of why it was installed, that may expose employees to possible injury, death, or adverse health consequences caused by the extinguishing agent. These systems are only subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.160(b)(4) through 29 CFR 1910.160(b)(7) and (c) of the standard.
See more information from OSHA on Fixed Extinguishing Systems and a Fixed Extinguishing Systems Checklist.
2. 29 CFR 160 contains specific provisions for fixed systems that may expose employees to possible injury, death, or adverse health consequences caused by _____.
a. the extinguishing agentA fire extinguishing system is an engineered set of components that work together to quickly detect a fire, alert occupants, and extinguish the fire before extensive damage can occur.
All system components must be:
3. A fire extinguishing system is an engineered set of components that work together to _____.
a. detect and extinguish fires, and alert occupantsTypical elements and components include:
4. What is used to transport the fixed system extinguishing agent from its storage container to the discharge nozzle?
a. The agent storage transfer containerAutomatic fire suppression systems, particularly the total flooding variety, must be operated properly and regularly maintained and tested to guarantee worker safety and system effectiveness. To ensure your fire extinguishing system will perform as expected in the event of a fire, you are required to:
5. How often should automatic fire suppression systems be inspected?
a. WeeklyTotal Flooding Applications consist of protecting an enclosed space by flooding it with a gas, such as carbon dioxide or halon. This method is used to protect electrical equipment and other types of deep-seated smoldering fires that may re-ignite after the flame has been extinguished. Because these systems can create an oxygen deficit or toxic atmosphere they deserve special attention.
The Safety Data Sheet for each extinguishing agent should be available in the workplace. It is important that employees know the potential hazards of the extinguishing agents they may be exposed to and how to protect themselves. Additionally, employees who are likely to enter such areas should receive a basic level of instruction into the operating principles of the system to include alarms and related hazards, as well as evacuation procedures. The two most common extinguishing agents used for total flooding applications are carbon dioxide and halon.
6. Which method is used to protect against deep-seated smoldering fires that may re-ignite?
a. Oxygen Depletion MethodAgents used for initial supply and replenishment shall be of the type approved for the system's application. Carbon dioxide obtained by dry ice conversion to liquid is not acceptable unless it is processed to remove excess water and oil. Specific hazards include:
Specific halon hazards include:
When halon is exposed to temperatures above 900 degrees F. it could break down and create high concentrations of toxic gases.
See the Fixed Extinguishing Systems Checklist.
7. What hazards may be created by direct contact with the discharge of CO2 and halon extinguishing systems?
a. Hyperoxidation might cause dizzinessRead the material in each section to find the correct answer to each quiz question. After answering all the questions, click on the "Check Quiz Answers" button to grade your quiz and see your score. You will receive a message if you forgot to answer one of the questions. After clicking the button, the questions you missed will be listed below. You can correct any missed questions and check your answers again.