ASTM F1994-99(2019)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
Standard Test Method for Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is applicable to fixed foam firefighting systems, including foam generation equipment, foam distribution system piping and valves, sprinkler arrangement and operation, hose reel unit operation, and system controls, as those components are included in the system for a particular application.
4.1.1 Foam systems for machinery spaces are tested using those portions of this test method which apply to the installed components. Suitable adaptation of this test method is made for use with systems which do not include all hardware components described herein.
4.1.2 Deck foam systems are tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s design criteria.
4.2 This test method demonstrates: satisfactory installation of an entire fixed foam/sprinkling system and its associated controls; and effective operation of portions of the foam distribution system and foam maker sprinkling nozzles for selected zones.
4.2.1 This test method verifies application rates and areas of coverage for each type of discharge device of the fixed foam firefighting system.
4.2.2 The satisfactory operation of the system in the selected zones is a measure of overall system capacity and anticipated operation for emergency use. The test, however, may not be representative of all emergency operating conditions that may vary with changes in the number of zones that are activated simultaneously, the material condition of the distribution and sprinkling components as they are maintained over time, and restoration of the system following its use for testing or actual emergencies.
4.3 Test procedures shall be prepared for the conduct of tests of foam firefighting systems in specific vessels. Those procedures shall be tailored to the system design for the system as installed and operated in each vessel.
4.3.1 Tests accomplished in accordance with approved test procedures may be sufficient to demonstrate that the vessel meets the regulatory and classification requirements for the...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers shipboard, fixed (installed) foam/sprinkling firefighting systems.
1.2 Satisfactory completion of these tests indicates functional performance of the fixed foam firefighting system and may be used to demonstrate the system installation’s compliance with the design characteristics of the system.
1.3 Tests made in conformity with this test method are intended to demonstrate the installation and operation of an installed, fixed foam firefighting system. As it includes regulatory requirements, this standard addresses those vessels subject to regulations and ship classification rules. However, the methods stated herein are suitable for unregulated commercial vessels, pleasure craft, military vessels, and similar vessels that are not required to meet regulations for firefighting systems.
1.4 Limitations:
1.4.1 International requirements, national regulations, and ship classification rules must be consulted. The following regulatory requirements and classification society rules were considered in the preparation of this test method:
1.4.1.1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Convention, 1978 SOLAS Protocol, and the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments, II-2/8, “Fixed low-expansion foam extinguishing systems in machinery spaces,”
1.4.1.2 U.S. Government regulations included in 46 CFR 76, 46 CFR 95, and 46 CFR 108 as those regulations are written and enforced by the United States Cost Guard, and
1.4.1.3 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels. However, the owner will designate the specific classification society which is to be used to classify a particular vessel.
1.4.2 The requirements, regulations, and rules for a specific design must be selected by the owner based on the planned operating profile for the vessel.
1.4.3 This test method reflects international requirements, U.S. Government regulations...
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´1
Designation: F1994 − 99 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1994; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—A Keywords section was added editorially in August 2019.
1. Scope 1.4.2 The requirements, regulations, and rules for a specific
design must be selected by the owner based on the planned
1.1 This test method covers shipboard, fixed (installed)
operating profile for the vessel.
foam/sprinkling firefighting systems.
1.4.3 This test method reflects international requirements,
1.2 Satisfactory completion of these tests indicates func- U.S. Government regulations, and ABS rules in effect at the
tional performance of the fixed foam firefighting system and
time it was prepared, and may not include requirements
may be used to demonstrate the system installation’s compli- adopted subsequent to the effective date of this test method.
ance with the design characteristics of the system.
1.4.4 This test method does not include requirements for the
selection, design, installation, and maintenance of foam fire-
1.3 Tests made in conformity with this test method are
fighting systems. It applies to installed systems whose designs
intended to demonstrate the installation and operation of an
meet all applicable international requirements, national
installed, fixed foam firefighting system. As it includes regu-
regulations, and ship classification rules.
latory requirements, this standard addresses those vessels
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
subject to regulations and ship classification rules. However,
the methods stated herein are suitable for unregulated commer- as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
cial vessels, pleasure craft, military vessels, and similar vessels
that are not required to meet regulations for firefighting
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
systems.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.4 Limitations:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.4.1 International requirements, national regulations, and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ship classification rules must be consulted. The following
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
regulatory requirements and classification society rules were
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
considered in the preparation of this test method:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.4.1.1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Convention, 1978 SOLAS
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Protocol, and the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments, II-2/8,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
“Fixed low-expansion foam extinguishing systems in machin-
ery spaces,”
2. Referenced Documents
1.4.1.2 U.S. Government regulations included in 46 CFR
2.1 The following documents apply to this test method only
76, 46 CFR 95, and 46 CFR 108 as those regulations are
to the extent referenced herein. However, they may be further
written and enforced by the United States Cost Guard, and
invoked by the ship owner as part of the design requirements
1.4.1.3 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for
for the vessel.
Building and Classing Steel Vessels. However, the owner will
2.2 ASTM Standards:
designate the specific classification society which is to be used
A795/A795M Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-
to classify a particular vessel.
Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for
Fire Protection Use
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on
General Requirements. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1994 – 99 (2011). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F1994-99R19E01. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
F1994 − 99 (2019)
F998 Specification for Centrifugal Pump, Shipboard Use 2.9 SNAME Bulletins:
F1030 Practice for Selection of Valve Operators Technical & Research Bulletin 3-39 Guide for Shop and
F1155 Practice for Selection and Application of Piping Installation Tests
System Materials Technical & Research Bulletin 3-47 Guide for Sea Trials
F1198 Guide for Shipboard Fire Detection Systems
F1333 Specification for Construction of Fire and Foam
3. Terminology
Station Cabinets
3.1 Refer to Annex A1 for terminology used in this test
F1370 Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Water
method related to fixed foam firefighting system installations
Systems, Shipboard
and their testing. Actual terminology used for fixed foam
F1508 Specification for Angle Style, Pressure Relief Valves
firefighting systems may vary depending upon the desires of
for Steam, Gas, and Liquid Services
the owner or system designer, or both.
F1510 Specification for Rotary Positive Displacement
Pumps, Ships Use
4. Significance and Use
F1547 Guide Listing Relevant Standards and Publications
4.1 This test method is applicable to fixed foam firefighting
for Commercial Shipbuilding (Withdrawn 2015)
4 systems, including foam generation equipment, foam distribu-
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):
tion system piping and valves, sprinkler arrangement and
Title 46, Part 76 Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 76.17,
operation, hose reel unit operation, and system controls, as
Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details
those components are included in the system for a particular
Title 46, Part 76, Subpart 76.23 Manual Sprinkling System,
application.
Details
4.1.1 Foam systems for machinery spaces are tested using
Title 46, Part 95 Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 95.17,
those portions of this test method which apply to the installed
Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details
components. Suitable adaptation of this test method is made for
Title 46, Part 108 Design and Equipment, Subpart D, Fire
use with systems which do not include all hardware compo-
Extinguishing Systems, §108.459–§108.477
nents described herein.
2.4 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels:
4.1.2 Deck foam systems are tested in accordance with the
Part 4, Section 6 Pumps and Piping Systems
manufacturer’s design criteria.
Part 4, Section 9 Fire Extinguishing Systems
4.2 This test method demonstrates: satisfactory installation
Part 4, Section 11 Shipboard Automatic and Remote-control
of an entire fixed foam/sprinkling system and its associated
Systems
controls; and effective operation of portions of the foam
5/4B.11 Fire Protection and Fire Extinction
distribution system and foam maker sprinkling nozzles for
2.5 IACS Documents:
selected zones.
Comparable rules also are published by other members of
4.2.1 This test method verifies application rates and areas of
the International Association of Classification Societies
coverage for each type of discharge device of the fixed foam
2.6 IMO SOLAS Regulations:
firefighting system.
SOLAS II-2 Construction – Fire Protection, Fire Detection
4.2.2 The satisfactory operation of the system in the selected
and Fire Extinction
zones is a measure of overall system capacity and anticipated
2.7 ASME Standard: operation for emergency use. The test, however, may not be
ASME B16.34 Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding
representative of all emergency operating conditions that may
End vary with changes in the number of zones that are activated
simultaneously, the material condition of the distribution and
2.8 NFPA Publications:
sprinkling components as they are maintained over time, and
NFPA 11 Standard for Low Expansion Foam
restoration of the system following its use for testing or actual
emergencies.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
4.3 Test procedures shall be prepared for the conduct of
www.astm.org.
tests of foam firefighting systems in specific vessels. Those
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
procedures shall be tailored to the system design for the system
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
as installed and operated in each vessel.
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ABS Plaza, 16855
4.3.1 Tests accomplished in accordance with approved test
Northchase Dr., Houston, TX 77060, http://www.eagle.org.
procedures may be sufficient to demonstrate that the vessel
Other IACS members and locations at which their publications are available are
meets the regulatory and classification requirements for the
identified by Guide F1547 at Section 4. Publication lists of some IACS members can
be found in Guide F1547, Section 5. vessel.
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is available
4.3.2 Approval of test procedures by a classification society
from International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4, Albert Embankment, London
may be necessary.
SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, http://www.imo.org.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
9 10
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Available from Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 601
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. Pavonia Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306.
´1
F1994 − 99 (2019)
4.3.3 Test procedures must state operating parameters and 5.2 Precautionary Statements—The following precautions
values (for example, flow rate, pressure, time to activate) should be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test
which define pass/fail criteria for each test. procedures which conform with this test method. Appropriate
precautions and warning statements must be included in test
4.4 Certification of the vessel or classification of the vessel
procedures that conform with this test method.
or both by the regulatory bodies may require that tests be
5.2.1 All appropriate electrical circuits must be de-
witnessed by a marine inspector or surveyor or both who
energized and tagged when doing any test or demonstration
represents both regulatory bodies.
involving contact with electrical conductors.
4.5 Interpretation of Results:
5.2.2 It is against environmental regulations to discharge
4.5.1 Leakage at any piping system mechanical joint that is
seawater/foam solutions within three miles of shore in the
corrected “on-the-spot” is not cause for test rejection.
United States. Care must be taken to prevent discharge of foam
4.5.2 Any erratic operation detected in the zone control
into coastal waters of any country. Therefore, all in-port testing
valves, seawater sprinkling pump discharge bypass-overboard
is to be accomplished using fresh water or clean seawater.
valves, or control devices is cause for rejection of the test. The
Foam concentration testing, by dispersion of actual seawater/
component causing the erratic operation shall be repaired or
foam solution, is to be accomplished only when underway, well
replaced and a retest performed.
outside coastal waters, or the seawater/foam solution is dis-
4.5.3 Any operation which does not meet the pass/fail
charged to a containment vessel for disposal in conformance
criteria defined by the test procedure(s) is cause for rejection of
with local regulations.
the test. The cause of the failure shall be determined, the design
5.2.3 Sprinkling or other discharge into interior spaces can
or installation, or both, corrected as appropriate, and a retest
lead to water or seawater/foam solution accumulation. Vessel
performed.
stability can be dangerously affected if dewatering systems are
not fully functional and operating. Operators must closely
5. Hazards
monitor the amount of water accumulated on deck during any
5.1 Safety Hazards—The following safety precautions must
phase of demonstrations or testing. Demonstrations or testing
be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test
should be suspended if such accumulation cannot be controlled
procedures that conform with this test method. However, this is
and sufficient stability maintained.
not an inclusive listing of all hazards which may occur when
5.2.4 All equipment or surfaces that could be damaged by
this test method is followed, see 1.6. Appropriate safety hazard
water during testing, in way of hose reel discharge areas or in
statements must be included in test procedures that conform
zones where fresh water or seawater/foam solutions will be
with this test method.
discharged from foam maker sprinkling nozzles, or both,
5.1.1 Live control circuits are exercised during tests per-
should be covered with plastic or otherwise protected from the
formed in accordance with this test method. This can result in
discharge.
the inadvertent discharge of seawater or seawater/foam solu-
5.2.5 Any piping flanges that formerly were blanked to
tion.
conduct hydrostatic testing of the foam distribution system
5.1.1.1 Remote operation of valves which allow discharge
should be inspected for tightness during the operational tests.
of fluids directly into interior spaces of the vessel is required.
5.2.6 Precaution shall be taken to ensure proper valve
5.1.1.2 Tag out electrical circuits or tag closed valves as
alignment to prevent flooding the vessel during any test
appropriate for each test.
requiring operation of the seawater sprinkling system, seawater
5.1.2 The fixed foam firefighting system includes relief
sprinkling pumps, foam proportioning pumps, and foam con-
valves and pressure-regulating valves which limit the internal
centrate transfer pumps.
pressures to which piping and valves of the system are
5.2.7 Any tests requiring seawater or seawater/foam solu-
subjected. Failure of these devices to control or limit system
tion to be pumped through foam distribution system piping
pressure
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: F1994 − 99 (Reapproved 2011) F1994 − 99 (Reapproved 2019)An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1994; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—A Keywords section was added editorially in August 2019.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers shipboard, fixed (installed) foam/sprinkling firefighting systems.
1.2 Satisfactory completion of these tests indicates functional performance of the fixed foam firefighting system and may be
used to demonstrate the system installation’sinstallation’s compliance with the design characteristics of the system.
1.3 Tests made in conformity with this test method are intended to demonstrate the installation and operation of an installed,
fixed foam firefighting system. As it includes regulatory requirements, this standard addresses those vessels subject to regulations
and ship classification rules. However, the methods stated herein are suitable for unregulated commercial vessels, pleasure craft,
military vessels, and similar vessels that are not required to meet regulations for firefighting systems.
1.4 Limitations:
1.4.1 International requirements, national regulations, and ship classification rules must be consulted. The following regulatory
requirements and classification society rules were considered in the preparation of this test method:
1.4.1.1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Convention, 1978 SOLAS Protocol, and
the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments, II-2/8, “Fixed low-expansion foam extinguishing systems in machinery spaces,”
1.4.1.2 U.S. Government regulations included in 46 CFR 76, 46 CFR 95, and 46 CFR 108 as those regulations are written and
enforced by the United States Cost Guard, and
1.4.1.3 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels. However, the owner will
designate the specific classification society which is to be used to classify a particular vessel.
1.4.2 The requirements, regulations, and rules for a specific design must be selected by the owner based on the planned
operating profile for the vessel.
1.4.3 This test method reflects international requirements, U.S. Government regulations, and ABS rules in effect at the time it
was prepared, and may not include requirements adopted subsequent to the effective date of this test method.
1.4.4 This test method does not include requirements for the selection, design, installation, and maintenance of foam firefighting
systems. It applies to installed systems whose designs meet all applicable international requirements, national regulations, and ship
classification rules.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents apply to this test method only to the extent referenced herein. However, they may be further
invoked by the ship owner as part of the design requirements for the vessel.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on General
Requirements.
Current edition approved May 1, 2011Aug. 1, 2019. Published May 2011August 2019. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20052011 as
F1994 – 99 (2005).(2011). DOI: 10.1520/F1994-99R11.10.1520/F1994-99R19E01.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
F1994 − 99 (2019)
2.2 ASTM Standards:
A795/A795M Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire
Protection Use
F998 Specification for Centrifugal Pump, Shipboard Use
F1030 Practice for Selection of Valve Operators
F1155 Practice for Selection and Application of Piping System Materials
F1198 Guide for Shipboard Fire Detection Systems
F1333 Specification for Construction of Fire and Foam Station Cabinets
F1370 Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Water Systems, Shipboard
F1508 Specification for Angle Style, Pressure Relief Valves for Steam, Gas, and Liquid Services
F1510 Specification for Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps, Ships Use
F1547 Guide Listing Relevant Standards and Publications for Commercial Shipbuilding (Withdrawn 2015)
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): (CFR):
Title 46, Part 76,76 Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 76.17, Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details
Title 46, Part 76, Subpart 76.23,76.23 Manual Sprinkling System, Details
Title 46, Part 95,95 Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 95.17, Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details
Title 46, Part 108,108 Design and Equipment, Subpart D, Fire Extinguishing Systems, §108.459–§108.477
2.4 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels:
Part 4, Section 6 Pumps and Piping Systems
Part 4, Section 9 Fire Extinguishing Systems
Part 4, Section 11 Shipboard Automatic and Remote-control Systems
5/4B.11 Fire Protection and Fire Extinction
2.5 IACS Documents:
Comparable rules also are published by other members of the International Association of Classification Societies
2.6 IMO SOLAS Regulations:
SOLAS II-2 Construction – Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction
2.7 ANSIASME Standard:
ASME B16.34 Small Butt Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End Valves
2.8 NFPA Publications:
NFPA 11 Standard for Low Expansion Foam
2.9 SNAME Bulletins:
Technical & Research Bulletin 3-39 Guide for Shop and Installation Tests
Technical & Research Bulletin 3-47 Guide for Sea Trials
3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Annex A1 for terminology used in this test method related to fixed foam firefighting system installations and their
testing. Actual terminology used for fixed foam firefighting systems may vary depending upon the desires of the owner or system
designer, or both.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is applicable to fixed foam firefighting systems, including foam generation equipment, foam distribution
system piping and valves, sprinkler arrangement and operation, hose reel unit operation, and system controls, as those components
are included in the system for a particular application.
4.1.1 Foam systems for machinery spaces are tested using those portions of this test method which apply to the installed
components. Suitable adaptation of this test method is made for use with systems which do not include all hardware components
described herein.
4.1.2 Deck foam systems are tested per the manufacturer’sin accordance with the manufacturer’s design criteria.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Dr., Houston, TX 77060, http://www.eagle.org.
Other IACS members and locations at which their publications are available are identified by Guide F1547 at Section 4. Publication lists of some IACS members can
be found in Guide F1547, Section 5.
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is available from International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR,
United Kingdom, http://www.imo.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME International Headquarters,
Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.10016-5990, http://www.asme.org.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 601 Pavonia Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306.
´1
F1994 − 99 (2019)
4.2 This test method demonstrates: satisfactory installation of an entire fixed foam/sprinkling system and its associated controls;
and effective operation of portions of the foam distribution system and foam maker sprinkling nozzles for selected zones.
4.2.1 This test method verifies application rates and areas of coverage for each type of discharge device of the fixed foam
firefighting system.
4.2.2 The satisfactory operation of the system in the selected zones is a measure of overall system capacity and anticipated
operation for emergency use. The test, however, may not be representative of all emergency operating conditions that may vary
with changes in the number of zones that are activated simultaneously, the material condition of the distribution and sprinkling
components as they are maintained over time, and restoration of the system following its use for testing or actual emergencies.
4.3 Test procedures shall be prepared for the conduct of tests of foam firefighting systems in specific vessels. Those procedures
shall be tailored to the system design for the system as installed and operated in each vessel.
4.3.1 Tests accomplished in accordance with approved test procedures may be sufficient to demonstrate that the vessel meets
the regulatory and classification requirements for the vessel.
4.3.2 Approval of test procedures by a classification society may be necessary.
4.3.3 Test procedures must state operating parameters and values (for example, flow rate, pressure, time to activate) which
define pass/fail criteria for each test.
4.4 Certification of the vessel or classification of the vessel or both by the regulatory bodies may require that tests be witnessed
by a marine inspector or surveyor or both who represents both regulatory bodies.
4.5 Interpretation of Results:
4.5.1 Leakage at any piping system mechanical joint that is corrected “on-the-spot” is not cause for test rejection.
4.5.2 Any erratic operation detected in the zone control valves, seawater sprinkling pump discharge bypass-overboard valves,
or control devices is cause for rejection of the test. The component causing the erratic operation shall be repaired or replaced and
a retest performed.
4.5.3 Any operation which does not meet the pass/fail criteria defined by the test procedure(s) is cause for rejection of the test.
The cause of the failure shall be determined, the design or installation, or both, corrected as appropriate, and a retest performed.
5. Hazards
5.1 Safety Hazards—The following safety precautions must be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test procedures
that conform with this test method. However, this is not an inclusive listing of all hazards which may occur when this test method
is followed, see 1.51.6. Appropriate safety hazard statements must be included in test procedures that conform with this test
method.
5.1.1 Live control circuits are exercised during tests performed in accordance with this test method. This can result in the
inadvertent discharge of seawater or seawater/foam solution.
5.1.1.1 Remote operation of valves which allow discharge of fluids directly into interior spaces of the vessel is required.
5.1.1.2 Tag out electrical circuits or tag closed valves as appropriate for each test.
5.1.2 The fixed foam firefighting system includes relief valves and pressure-regulating valves which limit the internal pressures
to which piping and valves of the system are subjected. Failure of these devices to control or limit system pressure may result in
component failures.
5.1.3 The following safety and control devices are required to conduct the tests:
5.1.3.1 Pumps’Pumps’ relief valves;
5.1.3.2 Seawater sprinkling pump discharge bypass-overboard relief valves which must be set in accordance with the maximum
system operating pressure; and
5.1.3.3 Zone sprinkling control, remotely operated valves, as applicable.
5.1.4 All precautions to ensure safety of life and equipment protection in compliance with the industrial facility’sfacility’s and
vessel’svessel’s established safety precautions shall be followed at all times in the conduct of foam firefighting system tests.
5.1.5 Portions of the fixed foam firefighting system should not be disabled or isolated for tests until just before the a specific
test event is scheduled to commence. This will leave the system functional for use in case of an actual fire.
5.2 Precautionary Statements—The following precautions should be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test
procedures which conform with this test method. Appropriate precautions and warning statements must be included in test
procedures that conform with this test method.
5.2.1 All appropriate electrical circuits must be de-energized and tagged when doing any test or demonstration involving contact
with electrical conductors.
5.2.2 It is against environmental regulations to discharge seawater/foam solutions within 3three miles of shore in the United
States. Care must be taken to prevent discharge of foam into coastal waters of any country. Therefore, all in-port testing is to be
accomplished using fresh water or clean seawater. Foam concentration testing, by dispersion of actual seawater/foam solution, is
to be accomplished only when underway, well outside coastal waters, or the seawater/foam solution is discharged to a containment
vessel for disposal in conformance with local regulations.
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Questions, Comments and Discussion
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