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

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANAUL VOLUME V
75.1107-7 Water Spray Devices; Capacity; Water Supply;
Minimum Requirements
"Inundating" means covering the whole top of the machine
either by direct or indirect water spray. "Internal
injection" means directing the extinguishing agent into the
compartment of the machine.
Past experience has shown that approximately 40 percent of the
fires on machines have had a cable to ignite in the cable reel
compartment. Some of these fires may have been caused by poor
splices and the excessive heat liberated in the coiled cable.
Whether fire control with water is achieved by inundating or
internal injection, the indicated amount of water shall be
directed into the cable reel compartment.
The requirements of paragraph (f) state that the quantity of
liquid stored on the machine can be reduced appreciably if
certain approved liquid chemicals are added to the water.
Tests show that a potassium bicarbonate solution is three to
four times more effective than plain water. However,
potassium bicarbonate solution is corrosive to unalloyed
steel. Other chemicals that are noncorrosive or contain
inhibitors are as effective for fire control.
The use of liquid chemical is not mandatory, but the industry
should be encouraged to use such additives in water.
75.1107-8 Fire-Suppression Devices; Extinguishant Supply
Systems
The purpose of the rising stem, or other visual indicator-type
shutoff valve addressed in paragraph (a)(4), is to provide a
visual means for assuring that the control valve is in the
open position while the machine is operating.
"Reasonable time for changing hose," as used in paragraph (b)
means without unnecessary delay.
75.1107-9 Dry Chemical Devices; Capacity; Minimum
Requirements
In paragrapsh (b) and (c) of this Section and subsequent
regulations, the word "nominal" is used to express the
approximate weight in pounds of all-purpose dry chemical.
75.1107-11 Extinguishing Agents; Requirements on Mining
Equipment Employed in Low Coal
This Section provides for lesser quantities of extinguishants on
equipment with space limitations. However, there may be
instances where the equipment is less than 32 inches high and
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