30 C.F.R. §§ 75.1107–75.1107-16

§75.1107. Fire suppression devices.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107

On and after March 30, 1971, fire-suppression devices meeting specifications prescribed by the Secretary shall be installed on unattended underground equipment and suitable fire-resistant hydraulic fluids approved by the Secretary shall be used in the hydraulic systems of such equipment. Such fluids shall be used in the hydraulic systems of other underground equipment unless fire suppression devices meeting specifications prescribed by the Secretary are installed on such equipment.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

§75.1107-1. Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and fire suppression devices on underground equipment.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-1

(a)

(1)

Unattended electrically powered equipment used underground which uses hydraulic fluid shall use approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluid.

(2)

Except as provided in paragraph (a) (3) of this section, within 24 production shift hours after being installed, unattended electrically powered equipment used underground shall be equipped with a fire suppression device which meets the applicable requirements of §§ 75.1107-3 through 75.1107-16.

(3)

Unattended enclosed motors, controls, transformers, rectifiers, and other similar noncombustible electrically powered equipment containing no flammable fluid may be protected:

(i)

By an approved fire suppression device, or

(ii)

Be located at least 2 feet from coal or other combustible materials, or

(iii)

Be separated from the coal or combustible materials by a 4-inch-thick masonry firewall or equivalent; and be mounted on a minimum 4-inch-thick noncombustible surface, platform, or equivalent. The electrical cables at such equipment shall conform with the requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G) or be in metal conduit.

(b)

Attended electrically powered equipment used underground which uses hydraulic fluid shall use approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluid unless such equipment is protected by a fire suppression device which meets the applicable requirements of §§ 75.1107-3—75.1107-16.

(c)

For purpose of §§ 75.1107—75.1107-16 the following underground equipment shall be considered attended equipment:

(1)

Any machine or device regularly operated by a miner assigned to operate such machine or device;

(2)

Any machine or device which is mounted in the direct line of sight of a jobsite which is located within 500 feet of such machine or device and which jobsite is regularly occupied by a miner assigned to perform job duties at such jobsite during each production shift.

(d)

Machines and devices described under paragraph (c) of this section must be inspected for fire and the input powerline deenergized when workmen leave the area for more than 30 minutes.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-2. Approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluids; minimum requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-2

Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and concentrates required to be employed in the hydraulic system of underground equipment in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall be considered suitable only if they have been produced under an approval, or any modification thereof, issued pursuant to Part 35 Subchapter I of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 30), or any revision thereof.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-3. Fire suppression devices; approved components; installation requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-3

(a)

The components of each fire suppression device required to be installed in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall be approved by the Secretary, or where appropriate be listed as approved by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.

(b)

Where used, pressure vessels shall conform with the requirements of sections 3603, 3606, 3607, 3707, and 3708 of National Fire Code No. 22 “Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection” (NFPA No. 22-1971).

(c)

The cover of hose of fire suppression devices, if used on the protected equipment and installed after the effective date of this section, shall meet the flame-resistant requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G).

(d)

Fire suppression devices required to be installed in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall where appropriate be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-4. Automatic fire sensors and manual actuators; installation; minimum requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-4

(a)

(1)

Where fire suppression devices are installed on unattended underground equipment, one or more point-type sensors or equivalent shall be installed for each 50 square feet of top surface area, or fraction thereof, of such equipment, and each sensor shall be designed to activate the first suppression system and disconnect the electrical power source to the equipment protected, and, except where sprinklers are used, there shall be in addition, a manual actuator installed to operate the system. Where sprinklers are used, provision shall be made for manual application of water to the protected equipment in lieu of a manual actuator.

(2)

Two or more manual actuators, where practicable, shall be installed, as provided in paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section, to activate fire suppression devices on attended equipment purchased on or after the effective date of this § 75.1107-4. At least one manual actuator shall be used on equipment purchased prior to the effective date of this § 75.1107-4.

(i)

Manual actuators installed on attended equipment regularly operated by a miner, as provided in § 75.1107-1(c)(1) shall be located at different locations on the equipment, and at least one manual actuator shall be located within easy reach of the operator's normal operating position.

(ii)

Manual actuators to activate fire suppression devices on attended equipment not regularly operated by a miner, as provided in § 75.1107-1(c)(2), shall be installed at different location, and at least one manual actuator shall be installed so as to be easily reached by the miner at the jobsite or by persons approaching the equipment.

(b)

Sensors shall, where practicable, be installed in accordance with the recommendations set forth in National Fire Code No. 72A “Local Protective Signaling Systems” (NFPA No. 72A-1967).

(c)

On unattended equipment the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the power to the main motor (or equivalent) so it will remain operative if the circuit breakers (or other protective device) actuates. On attended equipment powered through a trailing cable the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the electrical power provided by the cable.

(d)

Point-type sensors (such as thermocouple, bimetallic strip, or rate of temperature rise) located in ventilated passageways shall be installed downwind from the equipment to be protected.

(e)

Sensor systems shall include a device or method for determining their operative condition.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15301, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-5. Electrical components of fire suppression devices; permissibility requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-5

The electrical components of each fire suppression device used on permissible equipment inby the last open crosscut or on equipment in the return airways of any coal mine shall be permissible or intrinsically safe and such components shall be maintained in permissible or intrinsically safe condition.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-6. Capacity of fire suppression devices; location and direction of nozzles.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-6

(a)

Each fire suppression device shall be:

(1)

Adequate in size and capacity to extinguish potential fires in or on the equipment protected; and

(2)

Suitable for the atmospheric conditions surrounding the equipment protected (e.g., air velocity, type, and proximity of adjacent combustible material); and

(3)

Rugged enough to withstand rough usage and vibration when installed on mining equipment.

(b)

The extinguishant-discharge nozzles of each fire suppression device shall, where practicable, be located so as to take advantage of mine ventilation air currents. The fire suppression device may be of the internal injection, inundating, or combination type. Where fire control is achieved by internal injection, or combination of internal injection and inundation, hazardous locations shall be enclosed to minimize runoff and overshoot of the extinguishing agent and the extinguishing agent shall be directed onto:

(1)

Cable reel compartments and electrical cables on the equipment which are subject to flexing or to external damage; and

(2)

All hydraulic components on the equipment which are exposed directly to or located in the immediate vicinity of electrical cables which are subject to flexing or to damage.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-7. Water spray devices; capacity; water supply; minimum requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-7

(a)

Where water spray devices are used on unattended underground equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.25 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.

(b)

Where water spray devices are used for inundating attended underground equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.18 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads), and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.

(c)

Where water is used for internal injection on attended equipment the total quantity of water shall be at least 4.5 gallons times the number of hazardous locations; however, the total minimum amount of water shall not be less than the following:

(d)

Where water is used in a combination internal injection and inundation system on attended equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.12 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads), and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.

(e)

On equipment provided with a cable reel and an internal injection or combination-type system, the amount of water discharged into the cable reel compartments shall be approximately 25 percent of the amount required to be discharged by the system, however, such quantity need not exceed 10 gallons.

(f)

Liquid chemicals may be used, as approved by the Secretary in self-contained fire suppression devices. Such liquid chemicals shall be nontoxic and when applied to a fire shall not produce excessive toxic compounds. The quantity of liquid chemicals required shall be proportionately less than water as based on equivalency ratings established by the Secretary or equivalency ratings made by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-8. Fire suppression devices; extinguishant supply systems.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-8

(a)

Fire suppression systems using water or liquid chemical to protect attended equipment shall—

(1)

Be maintained at a pressure consistent with the pipe, fittings, valves, and nozzles used in the system.

(2)

Be located so as to be protected against damage during operation of the equipment protected.

(3)

Employ liquid which is free from excessive sediment and noncorrosive to the system.

(4)

Include strainers equipped with flush-out connections or equivalent protective devices and a rising stem or other visual indicator-type shutoff valve.

(b)

Water supplies for fire suppression devices installed on underground equipment may be maintained in mounted water tanks or by connection to water mains. Such water supplies shall be continuously connected to the fire suppression device whenever the equipment is connected to a power source, except for a reasonable time for changing hose connections to hydrants while the machine is stopped in a ventilated passageway.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-9. Dry chemical devices; capacity; minimum requirements.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-9

(a)

Dry chemical fire extinguishing systems used on underground equipment shall be of the multipurpose powder-type and shall include the following:

(1)

The system including all hose and nozzles shall be protected against the entrance of moisture, dust, or dirt;

(2)

The system shall be guarded against damage during operation of the equipment protected;

(3)

Hose and pipe shall be as short as possible; the distance between the chemical container and furthest nozzle shall not exceed 50 feet;

(4)

Hose, piping, and fittings between the actuator and the chemical container shall have a bursting pressure of 500 pounds per square inch (gage) or higher; the hose, piping, and fittings between the chemical container and the nozzles shall have a bursting pressure of 300 pounds per square inch (gage) or higher and

(5)

The system shall discharge in 1 minute or less, for quantities less than 50 pounds (nominal) 1 and in less than 2 minutes for quantities more than 50 pounds;

(b)

On unattended underground equipment, the number of pounds of dry chemical employed by the system shall be not less than 1 pound per square foot of top surface area of the equipment; however, the minimum amount in any system shall be 20 pounds (nominal). The discharge shall be directed into and on potentially hazardous locations of the equipment.

(c)

On attended underground equipment, the number of pounds (nominal) employed by the system shall equal 5 times the total number of hazardous locations; however, the minimum amount in any system shall not be less than the following, except that systems on haulage vehicles installed prior to the effective date of this section may contain 20 pounds (nominal).

(d)

The amount of dry chemical discharged into the cable reel compartments of attended underground equipment shall be approximately 25 percent of the total amount required to be discharged by the system; however, the quantity discharged into cable reel compartments need not exceed 10 pounds.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15302, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-10. High expansion foam devices; minimum capacity.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-10

(a)

On unattended underground equipment the amount of water delivered as high expansion foam for a period of approximately 20 minutes shall be not less than 0.06 gallon per minute per square foot of surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate for any system shall be not less than 3 gallons per minute.

(b)

On attended underground equipment, foam may be delivered by internal injection, inundation, or combination-type systems. Each system shall deliver water as foam for a minimum of 10 minutes. For internal injection, the rate of water application as high expansion foam shall be not less than 0.5 gallon per minute per hazardous location; however, the minimum total rate shall be not less than 2 gallons per minute. For inundation, the rate of water application as high expansion foam shall be not less than 0.05 gallon per minute per square foot of top surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate shall be not less than 5 gallons of water per minute.

(c)

In combined internal injection and inundation systems the rate of water applied as foam shall not be less than 0.035 gallon per minute per square foot of top surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate shall not be less than 3.5 gallons of water per minute.

(d)

Where internal injection is employed, the amount of water discharged as high expansion foam into the cable reel compartments of underground equipment regularly operated by a miner shall be approximately 25 percent of the total amount required to be discharged by the system; however, the quantity of water discharged as foam into the cable reel compartment need not exceed 1.5 gallons.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-11. Extinguishing agents; requirements on mining equipment employed in low coal.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-11

On mining equipment no more than 32 inches high, the quantity of extinguishing agent required under the provisions of §§ 75.1107-7, 75.1107-9, and 75.1107-10 may be reduced by one-fourth if space limitations on the equipment require such reduction.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-12. Inerting of mine atmosphere prohibited.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-12

No fire suppression device designed to control fire by total flooding shall be installed to protect unattended underground equipment except in enclosed dead-end entries or enclosed rooms.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-13. Approval of other fire suppression devices.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-13

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 75.1107-1 through 75.1107-12 the District Manager for the District in which the mine is located may approve any other fire suppression system or device which provides substantially equivalent protection as would be achieved through compliance with those sections: Provided, That no such system or device shall be approved which does not meet the following minimum criteria:

(a)

Components shall be approved by the Secretary, or where appropriate be listed as approved by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.

(b)

The fire suppression equipment shall be designed to withstand the rigors of the mine environment. Where used, pressure vessels shall conform with the requirements of section 3603, 3606, 3607, 3707, and 3708 of National Fire Code No. 22 “Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection” (NFPA No. 22-1971).

(c)

The cover of hose of fire suppression devices, if used on the protected equipment, shall meet the flame-resistant requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G).

(d)

Extinguishing agents shall not create a serious toxic or other hazard to the miners.

(e)

The electrical components of the fire suppression device shall meet the requirements for electrical components of the mining machine.

(f)

Where used, manual actuators for initiating the operation of the fire suppression device shall be readily accessible to the machine operator. On unattended equipment, an automatic as well as a manual actuator shall be provided.

(g)

On unattended equipment the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the power to the main motor (or equivalent) so it will remain operative if the circuit breakers (or other protective device) actuates. On attended equipment powered through a trailing cable the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the electrical power provided by the cable.

(h)

On unattended equipment, the sensor system shall have a means for checking its operative condition.

(i)

The fire suppression agent shall be directed at locations where the greatest potential fire hazard exists. Cable reel compartments shall receive approximately twice the quantity of extinguishing agent as each other hazardous location.

(j)

The rate of application of the fire suppression agent shall minimize the time for quenching and the total quantity applied shall be sufficient to quench a fire in its incipient stage.

(k)

The effectiveness of the quenching agent, together with the total quantity of agent and its rate of application shall provide equivalent protection to the water, dry powder, or foam systems described in §§ 75.1107-7, 75.1107-9, and 75.1107-10.

(l)

The fire suppression device shall be operable at all times electrical power is connected to the mining machine, except during tramming when the machine is in a ventilated passageway, the water hose if used, may be switched from one hydrant to another in a reasonable time and except in systems meeting the minimum special criteria set forth in paragraph (m) of this section.

(m)

Systems for attended equipment which are not continuously connected to a water supply shall not be approved unless they meet the following minimum criteria:

(1)

The machine shall be equipped with a firehose at least 50 feet in length which is continuously connected to the machine-mounted portion of the system.

(2)

Hydrants in proximity to the area where the machine is to be used shall be equipped with sufficient hose to reach the machine at any time it is connected to a power source.

(3)

The machine shall be used only where the operator (or other person) will always be in ventilated air uncontaminated by smoke and hot gases from the machine fire while extending the machine-mounted hose to connect with the hydrant-mounted hose.

(4)

The machine and hydrant hoses shall be readily accessible so that the connection between the machine-mounted hose and the hydrant hose can be made and water flow achieved in not more than 3 minutes under actual mining conditions for any location of the machine while electric power is connected.

(5)

The rate of water flow at the machine shall provide a minimum of 0.12 gallon of water per minute per square foot of top surface area (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads). The water shall discharge to all hazardous locations on the machine.

(6)

Hose, if used on the machine, in addition to meeting the flame resistant requirements for the cover of a hose provided in §§ 75.1107-3(b) and 75.1107-13(c) shall have a minimum burst pressure 4 times that of the static water pressure at the mining machine. Fabric braid hose shall have at least two braids, and wire braid hose shall have at least a single braid.

(7)

In addition to the hose located at the hydrant (which is intended to be connected to the hose on the machine) the firefighting equipment required by § 75.1100-2(a) shall be maintained.

(8)

A sufficient number of trained miners shall be kept on the section when the machine is in use to connect the machine hose to the hydrant hose and achieve water flow in not more than 3 minutes.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-14. Guards and handrails; requirements where fire suppression devices are employed.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-14

All unattended underground equipment provided with fire suppression devices which are mounted in dead end entries, enclosed rooms or other potentially hazardous locations shall be equipped with adequate guards at moving or rotating components. Handrails or other effective protective devices shall be installed at such locations where necessary to facilitate rapid egress from the area surrounding such equipment.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-15. Fire suppression devices; hazards; training of miners.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-15

Each operator shall instruct all miners normally assigned to the active workings of the mine with respect to any hazards inherent in the operation of all fire suppression devices installed in accordance with § 75.1107-1 and, where appropriate, the safeguards available at each such installation.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15303, July 29, 1972]

§75.1107-16. Inspection of fire suppression devices.

30 C.F.R. § 75.1107-16

(a)

All fire suppression devices shall be visually inspected at least once each week by a person qualified to make such inspections.

(b)

Each fire suppression device shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the requirements specified in the appropriate National Fire Code listed as follows for the type and kind of device used:

(c)

A record of the inspections required by this section shall be maintained by the operator. The record of the weekly inspections may be maintained at an appropriate location by each fire suppression device.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[37 FR 15304, July 29, 1972, as amended at 60 FR 33723, June 29, 1995]

Authority

Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957.

Source

Source: 35 FR 17890, Nov. 20, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[37 FR 15304, July 29, 1972, as amended at 60 FR 33723, June 29, 1995]