PERSONNEL SAFETY AND RELIABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM PER

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) STANDARD #12 -

CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS, 2005 EDITION

Preface: In the interests of reducing risks to personnel and at the same time maintaining the reliability
of carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishing systems, the NFPA has rewritten, revised and updated
Standard #12 in the 2005 Edition.

The CO2 fire system industry has always been cognizant of the potential risks involved in using CO2,
which extinguishes fire by oxygen deprivation. Since an adequate amount of oxygen is necessary for
sustaining human life, protected spaces must be evacuated before the system is used. It is important
to mitigate this risk in order to be able to utilize the unique fire extinguishing characteristics of CO2 that
have made it the ideal agent to use in many fire suppression applications.

A rare action by the NFPA in the revised standard is a requirement that existing systems be upgraded
to be in compliance by August 7, 2006. So even if you only service CO2 systems, these changes offer
you the opportunity to increase the safety and reliability of those systems.

The purpose of the bulletin is to bring to the reader’s attention the more significant new or enhanced
requirements so that planning to accommodate these changes can proceed as smoothly as possible.

Individual paragraph numbers and related text have been detailed to assist in identifying/locating the
major changes to the standard. In some situations the paragraphs noted may not follow in numerical
order in an attempt to logically present the intent or to emphasize the extent of the requirements. In
addition, annex (appendix) material has been brought forward to avoid the confusion of relating code
requirements to pertinent information shown in the annex. The new NFPA 12, 2005 edition should be
consulted in regards to the specific details of all the noted changes and the many other alterations
included in the revamping of NFPA 12, but not presented herein.

This bulletin is not intended to take the place of a complete review of the 2005 edition of NFPA
Standard #12.

NEW INSTALLATIONS

4.1.1 Carbon dioxide total flooding fire extinguishing systems shall not be installed in normally
occupied enclosures except as permitted in 4.1.2 through 4.1.4.

4.1.2 New Installations. Total flooding carbon dioxide systems shall be permitted to be installed
in normally occupied enclosures where there are no suitable fire-extinguishing agents that can
be used to provide an equivalent level of fire protection to that of carbon dioxide.

4.1.2.1 If it is determined that carbon dioxide is to be used for a given application, the
designer/installer shall provide supporting documentation to the authority having jurisdiction to
verify that carbon dioxide is the most appropriate fire suppression agent for the application.

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4.1.3 Marine Applications. Manually operated total flooding marine systems shall be permitted
in normally occupied enclosures equipped with the following:

(1) System lock-out valves specified in 4.5.5.

(2) Pneumatic predischarge alarms and pneumatic time delays specified in 9.3.3.5.
(3) Two independent, manually operated system discharge control valves to actuate the
carbon dioxide system as specified in 9.3.3.

DEFINITIONS

3.3.5 Normally Occupied. An enclosure where, under normal circumstances, persons are
present.

3.3.7 Occupiable. See 3.3.5, Normally Occupied.

3.3.6 Normally Unoccupied. An area or space not normally occupied by people but could be
entered occasionally for brief periods.

A.3.3.6 Normally Unoccupied. A normally unoccupied enclosure is one that is occasionally

visited by personnel. Examples of areas considered normally unoccupied are transfer bays,
switch-houses, pump rooms, vaults, engine test stands, cable vaults, cable spreading rooms,
utility tunnels, microwave relay stations, flammable liquid storage areas, enclosed energy
systems, shipboard cargo holds, robotic paint spray areas, and computer room subfloors.

3.3.11 Unoccupiable. An enclosure that cannot be occupied due to dimensional or other

physical constraints.

EXISTING INSTALLATIONS

The current NFPA 12 does not allow the use of Class 150 malleable iron fittings. NFPA 12, 1977
edition and prior editions allowed the use of Class 150 iron fittings for 3/4" and smaller pipe
sizes. All system upgrades should include the use of Class 300 fittings for the modified portion
of the systems.

1.3.4 Existing systems shall be upgraded to meet the requirements for safety signs in 4.3.2,
lock-out valves in 4.3.3.6 and 4.3.3.6.1, and pneumatic time delays and pneumatic predischarge
alarms in 4.5.6.1.

1.3.5 These upgrades shall be completed by August 7, 2006.

A1.3.5 Exposure to carbon dioxide discharge poses a hazard to personnel; therefore, additional
safety features for all new installations and for retrofitting of existing systems are provided in
Section 4.3

Safety to personnel is of paramount importance, therefore, these additional safety features

should be installed as soon as possible but no later than August 7, 2006.

The installation of the safety signs per 4.3.2 does not require any modifications to the installation
and should be accomplished immediately.

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The addition of supervised lock-out valves, per 4.3.3.6 and 4.3.3.6.1, and pneumatic predis-
charge alarms and pneumatic time delays, per 4.5.5.7, require that the system flow calculations
be verified and be in accordance with this standard. That is, the addition of piping equipment
(valve and time delays) adds equivalent pipe length to the system. The pneumatic predischarge
alarm requires carbon dioxide flow to sound. The revised design should be in accordance with
the agent quantity requirements of this standard.

These modifications could necessitate revisions to, upgrading of, or replacement of system
components, including control units.

As part of the process of implementing these modifications, the authority having jurisdiction
should be consulted for additional recommendations
or requirements.

4.3.3.1.1 Visual and audible devices shall be located

at the entrance to each occupiable space protected
by a carbon dioxide system and at the entrance to
each space where carbon dioxide could migrate,
creating a hazard to personnel. Provisions shall be
made to prohibit entry of unprotected personnel to
spaces made unsafe by a carbon dioxide discharge
until the space is ventilated and appropriate tests of
the atmosphere have verified that it is safe for
unprotected persons to enter. Persons who are not
properly trained in the use of and equipped with self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) shall not
remain in spaces where the concentration exceeds 4
percent. Such provisions shall include one or more of
the following:

(1) Addition of a distinctive odor to the discharging

carbon dioxide, the detection of which serves as
an indication to persons that carbon dioxide gas
is present. (Personnel shall be trained to
recognize the odor and evacuate spaces wherein the odor
is detected.)
(2) Provision of automatic alarms at the entry to and within
such spaces, which alarms are activated by carbon dioxide
detectors or oxygen detectors.
(3) Establishment and enforcement of confined space entry
procedures for such areas.

A4.3.3.1.1 All total flood hazards will be made unsafe for entry
of unprotected personnel until such spaces are ventilated of
carbon dioxide. Spaces containing equipment protected by local
application systems could become unsafe, particularly if the
protected equipment occupies a sizable portion of the volume of
the room containing the equipment. Pits, cellars, and rooms
adjacent to the protected hazard, especially those at lower
elevations, can be made unsafe by migration of the discharged
carbon dioxide.
Odorizer Cylinder

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Oil of wintergreen is a common and recommended odorizer added to the discharging carbon
dioxide to produce a distinctive odor that warns of the presence of carbon dioxide gas. Other
odorizers that are specially appropriate for specific locations can also be used, but, if there is
no specific reason to use an odorizer other than oil of wintergreen, oil of wintergreen should be
used.

Olfactory indicators could be inappropriate for applications such as clean rooms, food
processing, aluminum rolling mills, and telecommunications facilities since they could adversely
affect the process or equipment.

4.3.3.1.2 The visual alarms required by 4.3.3.1.1 shall be permitted

to serve this purpose if they are left operating until the space is
ventilated and the safety of the atmosphere for entry by unprotected
persons has been verified.

4.3.3.1.3 The operation of electrically operated warning devices

shall be continued after agent discharge until positive action has
been taken regarding the alarm and prevention of exposure of
personnel to hazardous concentrations.
Visual Alarm - Strobe
4.5.6 Predischarge Alarms.

4.5.6.1 A pneumatic predischarge alarm and pneumatic time delay

shall be provided for the following:

(1) All total flooding systems protecting normally occupied and

occupiable enclosures.
(2) Local application systems protecting normally occupied and
occupiable enclosures where the discharge will expose
personnel to hazardous concentrations of carbon dioxide.
(See 4.5.4.5.3.)
Audible Alarm
Exception: For occupiable hazard areas where the provision of a
time delay could result in unacceptable risk to personnel or unacceptable damage to critical
pieces of equipment, time delays need not be provided. Provision shall be made to ensure that
the carbon dioxide system is locked out at any time that personnel are present in the protected
area or space.

A4.5.6.1 Examples of hazard areas where the provision of a time delay could result in
unacceptable risk to personnel or unacceptable damage to critical pieces of equipment are
combustion gas turbines and engine test cells. Fires in such equipment tend to be fast growth,
and delay in the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent can result in destruction of essential
equipment or unacceptable risk to personnel. These are normally unoccupied spaces. When
such spaces are occupied by personnel, the systems must be locked out to prevent discharge
of carbon dioxide without the benefit of a predischarge alarm and time delay.

4.5.6.2 Predischarge alarms shall be provided to give positive warning of a discharge where
hazards to personnel could exist.

4.5.6.2.1 Such alarms shall function to warn personnel against entry into hazardous areas as
long as such hazards exist or until such hazards are properly recognized. (See Section 4.4.)

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4.5.6.2.2 Audible predischarge alarms shall be at least 15 dB above ambient noise level or 5 dB
above maximum sound level, whichever is greater, measured 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor of the
occupiable area.

4.5.6.2.3 Audible signal appliances shall have a sound level not more than 120 dB at the
minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance.

4.5.6.2.4 The predischarge alarm shall have a minimum decibel rating of 90 dBA at 10 ft (3 m).

Pneumatic Predischarge Alarm

In excess of 90 db at 10 ft distance, with CO2 vapor Automatic Mechanical Timer S/N 10100947
discharges at approximately 3 lbs of CO2 vapor per Stock units are factory set for 22 seconds delay.
minute at 280 psig. Limit of adjustment is 5 seconds minimum
to 90 seconds maximum

4.5.4.11 Discharge Pressure Switch.

4.5.4.11.1 A discharge pressure switch shall be installed between the

carbon dioxide supply and the lock-out valve.

4.5.4.11.2 The discharge pressure switch shall provide an

alarm initiating signal to the releasing panel to operate
electric/electronic alarm appliances.

4.4.2.14 The system owner shall maintain an instruction and maintenance manual that includes
a full sequence of operation, and a full set of system drawings and calculations shall be main-
tained in a protective enclosure.

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4.3.3.6 A lock-out shall be provided on all

systems except where dimensional con-
straints prevent personnel from entering the
protected space.

4.3.3.6.1 Lock-out valves shall be installed on

all systems where carbon dioxide could
migrate, creating a hazard to personnel.

4.3.3.6.2 Systems shall be locked out under

the following conditions:

(1) When persons not familiar with the

systems and their operation are present
in a protected space.
(2) When persons are present in locations
where discharge of the system will
endanger them, and they will be unable
to proceed to a safe location within the
time-delay period for the system.

4.3.3.6.3 When maintenance or testing is

being conducted on the system, it shall be
locked out or the protected space and
affected spaces (migration) shall be
evacuated.

4.3.3.6.4 When protection is to be maintained during the lock-out period, a person(s) shall be
assigned as a “fire watch” with suitable portable or semiportable fire-fighting equipment or
means to restore protection.

4.3.3.6.4.1 The fire watch shall have a communication link to a constantly monitored location.

4.3.3.6.4.2 Authorities responsible for continuity of fire protection shall be notified of lock-out and
subsequent restoration of the system.

4.5.5 Supervision and Lock-Out Valves.

4.5.5.1 Supervision of automatic systems and manual lock-out valves shall be provided unless
specifically waived by the authority having jurisdiction.

4.5.5.2 Supervision of automatic systems shall be provided, and the lock-out required by 4.3.3.6
shall be supervised for both automatic and manual systems unless specifically waived by the
authority having jurisdiction.

4.5.5.3 Interconnections between the components that are necessary for the control of the
system and life safety shall be supervised.

4.3.3.7 For electrically operated systems, a service disconnect switch shall be provided.

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Typical HPCO2 Arrangements required by NFPA 12, 2005 Edition

(Refer to Section 4.5.6.1)

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Master Valve with Selector Arrangements - Typical LPCO2 Arrangements

required by NFPA 12, 2005 Edition (Refer to Section 4.5.6.1)

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4.3.2 Signs.

4.3.2.1 Warning signs shall be affixed in a conspicuous location in every protected space; at
every entrance to protected spaces, in spaces near the protected spaces where it is determined
that carbon dioxide could migrate, creating a hazard to personnel; and at each entrance to
carbon dioxide storage rooms and where carbon dioxide can migrate or collect in the event of
a discharge from a safety device of a storage container.

4.3.2.2 For all new system installations, the safety sign format, color, letter style of signal words,
message panel lettering, lettering size, and the safety provisions of symbols shall be in
accordance with MNBV/ANSI Z535, Standard for Environmental and Facility Safety Signs.

4.3.2.4 For existing system installations that have existing signs that meet the requirements of
4.3.2.1, the signage shall be considered to be acceptable if the facility has an effective training
program in place covering all suppression-related signage, with all personnel with access to the
protected space either trained on the signage or accompanied at all times by a person who has
received the intended training.

The installation of the safety signs per 4.3.2 does not require any modifications to the installation
and should be accomplished immediately.

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Bill of Common Materials

DESCRIPTION S/N DESCRIPTION S/N
Pneumatic Timer 10100947 Pneumatic Siren 70030380
Booster Valve / 3-way Pilot Control Valve 10610668 Nameplate “...vacate immediately” 70360821
Nameplate “...do not enter until ventilated” 70360822 Nameplate “...When alarm operates, 70360823
vacate immediately...”
Nameplate “...Ventilate the area before 70360824 Nameplate “...Before Actuating...” 70360825
entering...”
Odorizer Cartridge 10030080 Odorizer Cylinder without cartridge 10030054
1/2" Bleeder valve 10610573 1/4" Frangible disc relief (2650 - 3000 psi) 30710006
Safety relief valve 450 psi 10610753 4-pole Pressure switch 10170065
2-pole Pressure switch 10170089 Supervisory pressure switch (DC voltage 70170178
only)
Supervisory pressure switch (AC voltage 70170177 1/2" Blocking valve/Selector valve 30610047
only)
3/4" Blocking valve/Selector valve 30610048 1" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610371
1-1/2" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610369 2" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610370
3" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610733 4" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610734
6" Blocking valve/Selector valve 10610740 Maintenance switch w/Key lockout 70170271
Maintenance switch, NEMA 4 w/pilot light 70170220 Lockout valves (see ball valves below)
& key lockout
1/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985018 1/2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985020
(timer bypass)
3/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985021 1" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985022
1-1/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985023 1-1/2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985024
2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch W/P 70985025 1/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985090
(timer bypass)
1/2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985069 3/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985070
1" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985071 1-1/4" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985072
1-1/2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985073 2" Ball valve w/DPDT limit switch X/P 70985074
3" Wafer valve w/SPDT limit switch 10610994 4" Wafer valve w/SPDT limit switch 10610995
6" Wafer valve w/SPDT limit switch 10610996 3" Wafer valve w/DPDT limit switch 10611068
4" Wafer valve w/DPDT limit switch 10611069 6" Wafer valve w/DPDT limit switch 10611070

Frangible Disk Assembly (Bursting Pressure 2650 to 3000 psi)

Safety Relief Valve (450 psi) For use in HPCO2 piping systems where CO2 can be trapped.
For use in LPCO2 piping systems
where CO2 can be trapped.

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