Your ship has a low-pressure carbon dioxide system that covers the engine room. Fire has been reported in the engine room and the decision has been made to dump the carbon dioxide system into the engine room. While following the procedures to release carbon dioxide you find one engine room supply fan damper that will not close. How should you proceed?
• Fixed CO₂ fire extinguishing systems requirements for tightness and boundary integrity • Effect of ventilation and openings on CO₂ concentration in a machinery space fire • SOLAS/USCG guidance that CO₂ systems must be able to achieve and maintain a minimum extinguishing concentration
• What happens to the effectiveness of CO₂ if there is a significant opening that allows continued air flow and gas escape? • Which options involve actions that are approved, fire‑safe methods versus improvised or potentially hazardous methods near a fire? • Is it better to delay discharge briefly to ensure a tight space, or discharge immediately with a known leak path?
• Verify that all ventilation, dampers, and openings should be secured before CO₂ discharge to contain the gas • Consider whether plastic or similar combustible materials are acceptable for covering openings in a fire situation • Think about which option best preserves the designed concentration of CO₂ in the engine room for a sufficient period of time
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!