W. Va. Code R. § 196-1-12

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 196-1-12 - Fire suppression for Storage Areas

12.1. Fire suppression systems for diesel fuel storage areas shall meet the requirements of this section.

12.2. The system shall be an automatic multipurpose dry-powder type fire suppression system or other system of equal capability, suitable for the intended application and listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory. The system shall meet the following installation requirements:

12.2.a. The system shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the limitations of the listing or approval.

12.2.b. The system shall be installed in a protected location or guarded to minimize physical damage from routine operation.

12.2.c. Suppressant agent distribution tubing or piping of the system shall be secured and protected against damage, including pinching, crimping, stretching, abrasion and corrosion.

12.2.d. Discharge nozzles of the system shall be positioned and aimed for maximum fire suppression effectiveness in the protected areas. Nozzles must also be protected against the entrance of foreign materials such as mud, coal dust and rock dust that could prevent proper discharge of suppressant agent.

12.3. The fire suppressant system shall provide automatic fire detection and suppression for the fuel storage tanks, containers, safety cans, pumps, electrical panels and control equipment in fuel storage areas.

12.4. Audible and visual alarms to warn of fire or system faults shall be provided at the protected area and at a surface location that is always staffed when persons are underground. A means shall also be provided for warning all endangered persons in the event of fire.

12.5. Fire suppression systems shall include two manual actuators with at least one located within the fuel storage facility and at least one located a safe distance away from the storage facility and in intake air.

12.6. The fire suppression system shall remain operative in the event of electrical system failure.

12.7. If electrically operated, the detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and provided with status indicators showing power and circuit continuity. If not electrically operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the system.

12.8. Fire suppression devices shall be visually inspected at least once each week by a person qualified to make such inspections..

12.9. Each fire suppression device shall be tested and maintained.

12.10. A record shall be maintained of the inspection required by this paragraph. The record of the weekly inspections shall be maintained at an appropriate location for each fire suppression device.

12.11. All miners normally assigned to the active workings of a mine shall be instructed about any hazards inherent to the operation of all fire suppression devices installed and, where appropriate, the safeguards available for each device.

W. Va. Code R. § 196-1-12