Demonstration of Fire Suppression Systems on Underground Mining Equipment.

摘要

An evaluation of the use of manually activated,installed,dry chemical fire protection systems on underground metal and nonmetal mine vehicles is described. In addition,an assessment of the possible health risks posed by the dry chemical extinguishing agents used in such systems is provided. Two fire protection systems (one a fully pressurized type and the other a nonpressurized type) were installed on a front-end loader in St. Joe Mineral's Fletcher mine near Viburnum,Mo.,for comparison. Both systems operated satisfactorily during an 8-month endurance trial period which preceded the actual fire tests. Each system extinguished a Class B test fire placed in the engine area of the machine. The health hazards analysis of dry chemical powder consisted of a detailed search of published literature relating to these multipurpose agents. These data were verified through a controlled laboratory analysis of two monoammonium phosphate based powders and an analysis of air samples collected at various loactions on the test vehicle during the fire tests. Although the powder was found to be nontoxic,ammonia and phosphoric acid,two potentially dangerous thermal decomposition products,were identified. Later analysis indicated that an operator would not be exposed to dangerous concentrations of either compound if he were to remain outside of the powder cloud. A selection and use manual for fixed fire suppression systems on underground metal and nonmetal mining equipment is included.