I am looking for information on the Fire Trace Clean Agent Suppression Systems. In our city we have a business that is looking to place this suppression system on 45 CNC type machines that are cutting titanium. My question is- Do these machines have to be tied into the building fire alarm system or can they be allowed by code to be a local alarm only? Any other information or knowledge of this system would be helpful.
Thank You
Todd Ayres, Highland Ht’s FD
Todd,
We have a local business in town that has several buildings and have hundreds of automated CNC machines that basically run 24/7 with very little human input. There are workers on-site adding blanks and setting up the machine for a new run, however there are times when they are at the other end of the plant. All the machines each have their own suppression system. This company utilizes a CO2 system for each machine.
The buildings are fully sprinkled and have a fire alarm system. The machines are tied into the fire alarm system given the size of the building and the number of machines. The company knew they would have fewer employees and thus tying into to the alarm system would provide an early response time. Although there is no specific code requirement, I would encourage the tie in, especially if they are automated machines with limited human input. Just as a side note, we had a fire in a machine that was older and did not have a suppression system, and the fire filled the building with smoke. The employees had to activate the alarm and it took a little while to get things under control. They have since replaced the machine with one that has a suppression system and it too is tied into the alarm. A local alarm is acceptable, however you should try to explain the benefits of the tie in. The above example would clarify how important it really is. They are welcome to contact the company (SGS tool) if they are so inclined.
Hope this helps.
Mike Dunton
Todd,
Here is some additional information you may find useful:
2011 OFC, 901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection systems. Any fire protection system
or portion thereof not required by this code or the building code as listed
in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code shall be allowed to be
furnished for partial or complete protection provided such installed system
meets the applicable requirements of this code and the building code as
listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
2011 OFC, 904.8 Carbon dioxide systems. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be
installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA
12 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code and their listing.
2011 OFC, 904.3.5 Monitoring. Where a building fire alarm system is installed,
automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building
fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-
47 of the Administrative Code.
These code sections should serve to strengthen your argument. In fact, one might interpret these sections apply directly to your situation. You may also wish to reference the 2009 IFC handbook. It contains some supporting information you may find useful.
Regards,
Mike Girbino
Todd,
Here is the OFC section on Clean Agent Systems installation, maintenance and inspection.
904.10 Clean-agent systems. Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems shall be
installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA
2001 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code and their listing.