Program Policy Manual - VOLUME V - Mine Safety and Health ...

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
grease or similar materials are used, the orifices should be
checked to insure the material has not hardened.
When the dry powder system operates, the mine passageway
becomes filled with a dense cloud (ammonium phosphate). This
material is nontoxic, but may impair breathing and vision. For
this reason, guardrails or equivalent devices must be provided
for the safety of miners in the immediate vicinity.
After operation of the system, the pipelines must be cleaned of
dust and dried. If dust remains in the pipe, it may absorb
moisture and cake. The all-purpose powder is slightly
corrosive to metal parts especially when wetted. Thus, metal
equipment and components of the fire suppression system should
be cleaned.
The yearly test of the suppression system can be made by
checking the powder storage compartment, the gas expelling
unit, and by blowing the dry air (preferably bottled nitrogen)
through the piping. It is important to ensure that the dry
powder is not exposed to the humid atmosphere. If so, it will
absorb moisture and cake. It is recommended that all dry
powder be discharged through the system every 2 years.
75.1103-2 Automatic Fire Sensors; Approved Components;
Installation Requirements
Fire sensors used in belt passageways shall be listed or approved
by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). New or
unique devices to be used as fire sensors that are not yet listed
by UL or FM and which may meet the requirements of these
regulations shall be submitted to the Technical Support Group,
MSHA, through the Chief, Division of Safety, Coal Mine Safety and
Health, 1100 Wilson oulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939, for
a determination of acceptability and recommendation.
75.1103-3 Automatic Fire Sensor and Warning Device
Systems; Minimum Requirements; General
The district manager can approve a sensor and alarm system even
though the components are not listed or approved by a recognized
testing laboratory. Some components, such as electronic items and
new or unique devices, are not listed or approved by these
agencies. However, such approval should be done judiciously,
requiring detailed description and possible future compliance, if
applicable, with Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) or
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL), standards. It is not
mandatory that all components of the fire-warning device systems
be listed or approved by UL or FM. However, MSHA will require
that all components be adequate with regard to "type and quality."
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