DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 4
4.5 Safety Support Systems
4.5.1 Fire Protection System
The WIPP fire protection system is designed to ensure personnel safety, mission continuity, and property
conservation. Building designs incorporate features for fire prevention (e.g., control and extinguishment)
Also, fire hazards are controlled throughout the WIPP. The plant design meets the "improved risk" level
of protection defined in DOE O 420.1 1 and satisfies the applicable sections of the National Fire
Protection Association codes, DOE Orders, and federal codes to the extent described in DOE/WIPP-
3217, WIPP Fire Hazard Analysis Report. 2
To meet these objectives, the WIPP facility design incorporates the following features:
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Most buildings and their support structures are protected by fixed, automatic fire suppression systems
designed to the specific, individual hazards of each area.
Noncombustible construction, fireproof masonry construction, and fire resistant materials are used
whenever possible.
Fire separations are installed where required because of different occupancies per the Uniform
Building Code (UBC).
In buildings where compartmentalization is required, vertical openings are protected by enclosing
stairways, elevators, pipeways, electrical penetrations, etc., to prevent fire from spreading to upper
floors.
The exhaust ventilation systems which remove hot fire gases, toxic contaminants, explosive gases, and
smoke are designed with a high fire integrity. The subsurface and surface structures are served by these
systems.
The components of the electric service and distribution systems are listed by Underwriters’ Laboratory, or
approved by Factory Mutual Engineering Corporation, and are installed to minimize possible ignition of
combustible material and maximize safety.
Adequate provisions for the safe exit of personnel are available for all potential fire occurrences with
evacuation alarm signals provided throughout occupied areas.
Building evacuation plans help ensure the safe evacuation of building occupants during emergency
conditions. The WIPP Emergency Management Program 3 contains the underground emergency
procedures, the underground evacuation routes, and the designated assembly areas.
The WIPP Fire Protection System consists of four subsystems. They are:
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Fire Water Supply and Distribution System
Fire Suppression System
Fire Detection and Alarm System
Ä Radio Fire Alarm Reporter (FAR) System
All fire protection systems are classified as Design Class IIIB.
4.5-1 January 28, 2003