COMPANYNAME SOLAS TRAINING MANUAL PART B – Section 7 Fire Extinguishing Media
a)
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Halocarbons (e.g. FM 200 and FE 13) Like halon these are clean, non-conductive gases which extinguish through the anticatalytic effect of breaking the chemical chain reaction which sustains a fire. Required concentrations are low, although not as low as halon 1301, and extinguishing is swift. Storage capacity required to protect a given volume is nearly twice that of halon 1301.
b) Inert gases (e.g. Argon) Argon and inert argon compound gases require a storage volume ten times that of halon 1301 and about 60% that of CO2. The extinguishing time for a total flood system is in excess of one minute. Water mist These systems are similar to water spray systems but are engineered to produce very fine water droplets which extinguish fires because of their capacity to absorb large quantities of heat. COOLING AGENTS
7.4.1.
Water
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7.4.
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c)
Water is the most common cooling agent. This is because water possesses very good heat absorbing qualities and is available in ample quantities at terminals and in ships.
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A water jet, although excellent for fighting fires involving combustible materials, should not be used on burning oil, or on burning cooking oil or fat in galleys, because of the danger of spreading the fire. Water spray and water fog may be used effectively against oil fires and for making a screen between the fire fighter and the fire.
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Owing to the danger of electrical shock, water should not be directed towards any electrical equipment. A wetting agent may be added to water when it is to be used on tightly packed combustible materials. This has the effect of lowering its surface tension and thus increasing its effective penetration.
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