Standard Test Method for Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems

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:
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,"
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
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.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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Publication Date
09-Nov-1999
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ASTM F1994-99 - Standard Test Method for Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation: F 1994 – 99
Standard Test Method for
Shipboard Fixed Foam Firefighting Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1994; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4.3 This test method reflects international requirements,
U.S. Government regulations, and ABS rules in effect at the
1.1 This test method covers shipboard, fixed (installed)
time it was prepared, and may not include requirements
foam/sprinkling firefighting systems.
adopted subsequent to the effective date of this test method.
1.2 Satisfactory completion of these tests indicates func-
1.4.4 This test method does not include requirements for the
tional performance of the fixed foam firefighting system and
selection, design, installation, and maintenance of foam fire-
may be used to demonstrate the system installation’s compli-
fighting systems. It applies to installed systems whose designs
ance with the design characteristics of the system.
meet all applicable international requirements, national regu-
1.3 Tests made in conformity with this test method are
lations, and ship classification rules.
intended to demonstrate the installation and operation of an
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
installed, fixed foam firefighting system. As it includes regu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
latory requirements, this standard addresses those vessels
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
subject to regulations and ship classification rules. However,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the methods stated herein are suitable for unregulated commer-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cial vessels, pleasure craft, military vessels, and similar vessels
that are not required to meet regulations for firefighting
2. Referenced Documents
systems.
2.1 The following documents apply to this test method only
1.4 Limitations:
to the extent referenced herein. However, they may be further
1.4.1 International requirements, national regulations, and
invoked by the ship owner as part of the design requirements
ship classification rules must be consulted. The following
for the vessel.
regulatory requirements and classification society rules were
2.2 ASTM Standards:
considered in the preparation of this test method:
A 795 Specification for Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Pro-
1.4.1.1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at
tection Use
Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Convention, 1978 SOLAS Pro-
F 998 Specification for Centrifugal Pumps, Shipboard Use
tocol, and the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments, II-2/8,
F 1030 Practice for Selection of Valve Operators
“Fixed low-expansion foam extinguishing systems in machin-
F 1155 Practice for Selection and Application of Piping
ery spaces,”
System Materials
1.4.1.2 U.S. Government regulations included in 46 CFR
F 1198 Guide for Shipboard Fire Detection Systems
76, 46 CFR 95, and 46 CFR 108 as those regulations are
F 1333 Specification for Construction of Fire and Foam
written and enforced by the United States Cost Guard, and
Station Cabinets
1.4.1.3 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for
F 1370 Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Wa-
Building and Classing Steel Vessels. However, the owner will
ter Systems, Shipboard
designate the specific classification society which is to be used
F 1508 SpecificationforAngleStyle,PressureReliefValves
to classify a particular vessel.
for Steam, Gas, and Liquid Services
1.4.2 The requirements, regulations, and rules for a specific
F 1510 Specification for Rotary Positive Displacement
design must be selected by the owner based on the planned
Pumps, Commercial Ships Use
operating profile for the vessel.
F 1547 Guide Listing Relevant Standards and PUbvlica-
tions for Commercial Shipbuilding
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on
General Requirements. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1999. Published March 2000. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.07.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1994
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 4.1.1 Foam systems for machinery spaces are tested using
Title 46, Part 76, Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 76.17, those portions of this test method which apply to the installed
Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details components.Suitableadaptationofthistestmethodismadefor
Title 46, Part 76, Subpart 76.23, Manual Sprinkling System, use with systems which do not include all hardware compo-
Details nents described herein.
Title 46, Part 95, Fire Protection Equipment, Subpart 95.17, 4.1.2 Deck foam systems are tested per the manufacturer’s
Foam Extinguishing Systems, Details design criteria.
Title 46, Part 108, Design and Equipment, Subpart D, Fire 4.2 This test method demonstrates: satisfactory installation
Extinguishing Systems, §108.459–§108.477 of an entire fixed foam/sprinkling system and its associated
2.4 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels: controls; and effective operation of portions of the foam
Part 4, Section 6 Pumps and Piping Systems distribution system and foam maker sprinkling nozzles for
Part 4, Section 9 Fire Extinguishing Systems selected zones.
Part4,Section11 ShipboardAutomaticandRemote-control 4.2.1 This test method verifies application rates and areas of
Systems coverage for each type of discharge device of the fixed foam
5/4B.11 Fire Protection and Fire Extinction firefighting system.
2.5 IACS Documents: 4.2.2 Thesatisfactoryoperationofthesystemintheselected
Comparable rules also are published by other members of zones is a measure of overall system capacity and anticipated
the InternationalAssociation of Classification Societies operation for emergency use. The test, however, may not be
2.6 IMO SOLAS Regulations: representative of all emergency operating conditions that may
SOLAS II-2 Construction – Fire Protection, Fire Detection vary with changes in the number of zones that are activated
and Fire Extinction simultaneously, the material condition of the distribution and
2.7 ANSI Standard: sprinkling components as they are maintained over time, and
B16.34 Small Butt Welding End Valves restoration of the system following its use for testing or actual
2.8 NFPA Publications: emergencies.
NFPA 11 Standard for Low Expansion Foam 4.3 Test procedures shall be prepared for the conduct of
2.9 SNAME Bulletins: tests of foam firefighting systems in specific vessels. Those
Technical & Research Bulletin 3-39 Guide for Shop and proceduresshallbetailoredtothesystemdesignforthesystem
Installation Tests as installed and operated in each vessel.
Technical & Research Bulletin 3-47 Guide for Sea Trials 4.3.1 Tests accomplished in accordance with approved test
procedures may be sufficient to demonstrate that the vessel
3. Terminology
meets the regulatory and classification requirements for the
vessel.
3.1 Refer to Annex A1 for terminology used in this test
method related to fixed foam firefighting system installations 4.3.2 Approval of test procedures by a classification society
may be necessary.
and their testing. Actual terminology used for fixed foam
4.3.3 Test procedures must state operating parameters and
firefighting systems may vary depending upon the desires of
values (for example, flow rate, pressure, time to activate)
the owner or system designer, or both.
which define pass/fail criteria for each test.
4. Significance and Use
4.4 Certification of the vessel or classification of the vessel
or both by the regulatory bodies may require that tests be
4.1 This test method is applicable to fixed foam firefighting
witnessed by a marine inspector or surveyor or both who
systems, including foam generation equipment, foam distribu-
represents both regulatory bodies.
tion system piping and valves, sprinkler arrangement and
4.5 Interpretation of Results:
operation, hose reel unit operation, and system controls, as
4.5.1 Leakage at any piping system mechanical joint that is
those components are included in the system for a particular
corrected “on-the-spot” is not cause for test rejection.
application.
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
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402.
component causing the erratic operation shall be repaired or
Available from theAmerican Bureau of Shipping (ABS):ABSAmericas,ABS
replaced and a retest performed.
Plaza, 16855 Northchase Dr., Houston, TX 77060.
4.5.3 Any operation which does not meet the pass/fail
OtherIACSmembersandlocationsatwhichtheirpublicationsareavailableare
identified by Guide F 1547 at Section 4. Publication lists of some IACS members criteriadefinedbythetestprocedure(s)iscauseforrejectionof
can be found in Guide F 1547, Section 5.
thetest.Thecauseofthefailureshallbedetermined,thedesign
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is available
or installation, or both, corrected as appropriate, and a retest
from International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, London,
performed.
England SE1 7SR.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
5. Hazards
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Available from National Fire Protection Assoc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
5.1 Safety Hazards—The following safety precautions must
MA 02269.
be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test
Available from Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 601
Pavonia Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306. proceduresthatconformwiththistestmethod.However,thisis
F 1994
not an inclusive listing of all hazards which may occur when should be suspended if such accumulation cannot be controlled
this test method is followed, see 1.5.Appropriate safety hazard and sufficient stability maintained.
statements must be included in test procedures that conform 5.2.4 All equipment or surfaces that could be damaged by
with this test method. water during testing, in way of hose reel discharge areas or in
zones where fresh water or seawater/foam solutions will be
5.1.1 Live control circuits are exercised during tests per-
discharged from foam maker sprinkling nozzles, or both,
formed in accordance with this test method. This can result in
should be covered with plastic or otherwise protected from the
the inadvertent discharge of seawater or seawater/foam solu-
discharge.
tion.
5.2.5 Any piping flanges that formerly were blanked to
5.1.1.1 Remote operation of valves which allow discharge
conduct hydrostatic testing of the foam distribution system
of fluids directly into interior spaces of the vessel is required.
should be inspected for tightness during the operational tests.
5.1.1.2 Tag out electrical circuits or tag closed valves as
5.2.6 Precaution shall be taken to ensure proper valve
appropriate for each test.
alignment to prevent flooding the vessel during any test
5.1.2 The fixed foam firefighting system includes relief
requiringoperationoftheseawatersprinklingsystem,seawater
valves and pressure-regulating valves which limit the internal
sprinkling pumps, foam proportioning pumps, and foam con-
pressures to which piping and valves of the system are
centrate transfer pumps.
subjected. Failure of these devices to control or limit system
5.2.7 Any tests requiring seawater or seawater/foam solu-
pressure may result in component failures.
tion to be pumped through foam distribution system piping
5.1.3 The following safety and control devices are required
shall be conducted only after precautions have been taken to
to conduct the tests:
insure the watertight integrity at the maximum system operat-
5.1.3.1 Pumps’ relief valves;
ing pressure of all affected piping and valves.
5.1.3.2 Seawater sprinkling pump discharge bypass-
5.2.8 Appropriatezonecontrolvalvesshallbetaggedclosed
overboard relief valves which must be set in accordance with
during in-port testing to preclude accidental discharge of foam
the maximum system operating pressure; and
concentrate entering the distributive system or being dis-
5.1.3.3 Zone sprinkling control, remotely operated valves, charged overboard.
5.2.9 Isolate system areas or zones that are not used in a
as applicable.
specific test.
5.1.4 All precautions to ensure safety of life and equipment
5.3 Remedial Statements—System restoration following
protection in compliance with the industrial facility’s and
demonstrations should include the following actions.
vessel’s established safety precautions shall be followed at all
5.3.1 Restore all electrical power to the pumps and controls.
times in the conduct of foam firefighting system tests.
Ensure that all electrical and control circuits are set for normal
5.1.5 Portions of the fixed foam firefighting system should
operation.
not be disabled or isolated for tests until just before the a
5.3.2 Ensure that tags installed on remotely operated valves
specific test event is scheduled to commence. This will leave
have been removed.
the system functional for use in case of an actual fire.
5.3.3 Ensure that all distribution piping and valves are
5.2 Precautionary Statements—The following precautions
aligned for normal operation.
should be taken when conducting tests in accordance with test
5.3.4 Clean up all areas and equipment that may have been
procedures which conform with this test method. Appropriate
wetted by sprinkling or flooding incidental to these demonstra-
precautions and warning statements must be included in test
tions.
procedures that conform with this test method.
5.3.5 Remove any “socks” or other devices installed to
5.2.1 All appropriate electrical circuits must be de-
contain water or foam discharged during demonstrations.
energized and tagged when doing any test or demonstration
5.3.6 Remove any test instrumentation or gauges installed
involving contact with electrical conductors.
for the demonstrations.
5.2.2 It is against environmental regulations to discharge
5.3.7 Ensure that foam concentrate tanks are filled with
seawater/foam solutions within 3 miles of shore in the United
foam concentrate.
States. Care must be taken to prevent discharge of foam into
6.
...

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