Technical Memo

CAP 437 Firefighting Facilities

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INMACO AS

E-mail: post@inmaco.com
Web: www.inmaco.com








CAP 437 Helideck Fire Fighting Systems




INMACO AS, SAGMYRA 27 4623 Kristiansand, Norway
Phone: +47 994 800 10 Fax: +47 994 800 11 E-mail: post@inmaco.com Web: www.inmaco.com

Technical Memo
Foam Agents and AFFF Design
CAP 437 Helideck Firefighting facilities_Rev_2010.docx Page 2 of 5
INMACO AS

E-mail: post@inmaco.com
Web: www.inmaco.com


GENERAL
This technical memo gives the guidance regarding provision of equipment and extinguishing media for
offshore helideck on installations and vessels according to CAP 437.

Design Data
The application rate is depending on the types of foam concentrate in use and the types of foam application
equipment selected. The authority recommends a minimum application rate of 5.5litres per square metre of
Safe Landing Area (SLA) per minute.

Given the remote location of helideck the overall capacity of the foam systems should exceed that
necessary for initial extinction of any fire. Ten minutes discharge capability is general considered by the UK
CAA to be reasonable.

Hand controlled hose line(s) capable of applying water in a jet/spray pattern at a minimum of 250l/min for
cooling, or respective fire fighting tactics should be provided. Not all fires are capable of being accessed by
monitors or on some occasions the use of monitors alone may endanger personnel. Therefore, the
provision of hand controlled hose line(s) for the application of foam should also be provided.

Complementary Media
While foam is considered the primary means of dealing with fires involving fuel spillages, the wide variety of
fires incidents likely to be encountered during helicopter operations- i.e. Engine, avionic bays, transmission
areas, hydraulics- may require the provision of more than one type of complementary agent. Dry powder,
CO
2
or inert gases are generally considered acceptable for this task.

The UK CAA recommends the use of dry powder as the primary complementary agent. The minimum
capacity should be 45 kg. The dry powder system should have the capacity to deliver the agent anywhere
on the SLA at the discharge rate of 1.35-2 kg/sec.

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Fixed Fire fighting Equipment
The combined foam monitor and hydrant skid is of a compact and easily maintained design. The
equipment is fixed to a framework complete with pad eyes. The skid comprises the following major
components:
4 firewater monitor complete with self-inducing nozzle.
300 litre foam tank
Hydrant valve complete with foam inductor
30 metres of 1 hose, on/off firewater nozzle
Framework.
The only hook-ups required are firewater piping.


Technical Memo
Foam Agents and AFFF Design
CAP 437 Helideck Firefighting facilities_Rev_2010.docx Page 3 of 5
INMACO AS

E-mail: post@inmaco.com
Web: www.inmaco.com
Functional Description
Foam monitor
The monitor is designed to manually discharge a foam/water solution over the helideck area upon system
activation. The 4 monitor has a nominal capacity of 2000 l/min at 7 barg, equipped with a self-inducing
foam nozzle. This inductor will automatically induce a 1% foam concentrate into the firewater stream upon
release. The horizontal movement is 360 and the vertical movement is +80 /-40.


Monitor Activation.
The monitor system is designed for manual activation only. By operating the main isolation valve water is
released and discharged through the monitor. The system is designed for operation with foam for 10min
the foam can be isolated by operating the foam isolation valve located at the foam tank.

Hydrant valve
The hydrant valve is capable of delivering firewater to a hand held foam nozzle. Upon operating the main
isolation valve water is released and discharge via the flexible hose to the hand held foam nozzle.



Inline inductor
In order to supply the hand held foam nozzle with foam an inline inductor is provided downstream the
hydrant valve. Upon discharge of water the inductor will pick up foam and mix the solution before
discharged via the foam nozzle.


Technical Memo
Foam Agents and AFFF Design
CAP 437 Helideck Firefighting facilities_Rev_2010.docx Page 4 of 5
INMACO AS

E-mail: post@inmaco.com
Web: www.inmaco.com

Hand held nozzle
The nozzle is provided with pistol grip and capable of delivery water in jet/spray pattern.




MISCELLANEOUS RECUIREMENTS
The following are the minimum requirements for CAP 437 regarding complementary Fire fighting
equipment:
1 x 45 Kg (min) dry powder extinguisher


1 x 22 kg (min) Co2 extinguisher c/w applicator lance (Recommended)

1 x Rescue Equipment cabinet
2 x BA sets c/w 2 reserve cylinders (Recommended)

Contents
Breathing apertures (BA) Cabinet (Recommended)


The following shall be contained in a freestanding cabinet:
2 x Breathing apertures (BA) sets c/w masks, demand valves & 6.8ltr 300 bar composite cylinders
2 x firemans suits
2 x Firemans helmet c/w visor
2 x Pairs of firemans gloves
2 x Pairs of firemans boots

Rescue Equipment Cabinet (suitable for H1/H2 category helicopters)
The following shall be contained in a freestanding cabinet:
Technical Memo
Foam Agents and AFFF Design
CAP 437 Helideck Firefighting facilities_Rev_2010.docx Page 5 of 5
INMACO AS

E-mail: post@inmaco.com
Web: www.inmaco.com
1 x Adjustable wrench
1 x Crash axe
1 x Bolt cutters
1 x Pry bar
1 x Metal hook
1 x Hacksaw c/w 6 x spare blades
1 x Fire resistant blanket
1 x Ladder
1 x Life rescue harness
1 x Side cutting pliers
1 x Set assorted screwdrivers
1 x Emergency release knife
2 x Portable safety lamps, Ex rated

Grab bags
The following shall be contained in a green bag with zip:
1 x Smoke hood
1 x Fire resistant gloves
1 x Safety torch, Ex rated c/w non-ex charger & wall bracket
1 x Lifejacket (Interlock 275)