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

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
For some components, this may mean the listing of approval by UL
or FM.
All automatic fire warning systems must meet the requirements
of 30 CFR 75.1103-4 through 75.1103-7, including when more than
one type of system is installed in a belt entry. For example,
if a CO monitoring system is installed in conjunction with a
point-type heat sensor system, both systems must meet the
installation and maintenance requirements of 30 CFR 75.1103-4
through 77.1103-7 and be fully operative at all times. This
policy will not require the secondary system to be a complete
system.
Application of this policy must take into consideration the
installation and debugging phase that sometimes occurs when new
types of fire warning systems are installed. Operators should
be afforded a reasonable time for a redundant or replacement
system to be installed and tested. Proper application of this
policy is facilitated by the operator informing MSHA of plans
to install a new system.
75.1103-4 Automatic Fire Sensor and Warning Device
Systems; Installation; Minimum Requirements
Recognizing that a rise in temperature may activate either fire
detection system installed on separate flights at the flight
connection point, systems which activate either fire detection
system upon a rise in temperature within 125 feet of the
connection point can be considered equivalent to a system which
provides identification of fire within each belt flight if the
district manager determines that the miners are provided
equivalent protection. If it has been determined that the
system has failed to provide identification of a fire within a
belt flight, any citations issued should be cited as a
violation of this Section.
Where practicable, point-type sensors responding to temperature
rise should be installed at or near the center of the belt and
not more than 12 or less than 6 inches from the roof, except
where installation of sensors in extremely high areas would
pose a hazard through the use of ladders or scaffolding, or
local irregularities prevent such installation.
Heat detecting Twisto Wire and Protecto Wire are acceptable as
sensors, provided they are properly installed with two twists
per linear foot. Proper tension is required on the Twisto Wire,
and if Protecto Wire is used, it must be in minimum lengths of
12 inches and properly secured by soldering or other substantial
means. However, acceptability does not apply to a system unless
the entire system is in compliance with these regulations.
October 2003 (Release V-34) 104