SAFETY ALERT- TECHNICAL No.24

INADVERTENT DISCHARGES OF MARINE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

A safety concern has arisen with the ANSUL – High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems

Click here to download a printable copy of this Safety Alert (pdf  20kb)

Click here to download a printable copy of the ANSUL Bulletin No. 5559 (pdf  128kb)

The United States Coast Guard have advised that they have become aware of several instances where ANSUL – High Pressure Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishing systems (Coast Guard Approval number 162.038/7) have discharged without human intentional or accidental involvement.

The system manufacturer, ANSUL has identified the suspect CO2 cylinder valves as those having a date code between 10-07 and 06-08.  This date code is located on a flat surface immediately above the threaded section which enters the cylinder and opposite the discharge outlet. See the attached ANSUL bulletin for important details.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) strongly recommends that owners and operators who have ANSUL High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Systems onboard their vessels and others who may own, sell or service these systems carefully follow the instructions on the attached ANSUL Bulletin.

For further information please contact Shipping Safety Branch, Maritime & Coastguard Agency Tel: +44 (023) 80839636
Issued: July 2009