Fire protection?

[Fiat4Fun]

Howdy,
Working on my 21' 1986 CC with Mercruiser 5.0, and a question came to mind.

The boat came with a halon system, which I assume is still good, not sure how to check. But I was wondering if I should rely on something that old. Is there a issue putting in another fire protection system? Any suggestions. I think I am going to put a Fireboy detector in the cuddy area. I was also looking in the iboats store at the Fireboy M1R fume detector. Anyone out there use anything like that?? Seems like it would be a good thing in a collector car too......

The other question is what other fire protection would have on board a 21 foot boat?

Any advice on the old system or what to add to the boat would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fire protection?

The other question is what other fire protection would have on board a 21 foot boat?

Ayuh,... I believe the CG Regs require a fire extinguisher to be within arms reach of the operator...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fire protection?

You would have to go to someone who works on automatic systems to have it checked....... I would guess any fire extinguisher company can service and check it.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Fire protection?

+1 what Bondo said.

 

[rbh]

Re: Fire protection?

If you want to place a extinguisher in the cuddy, the helm and around the stern somewhere, you can never have enough in an emergency.

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Re: Fire protection?

Thanks for the input.
What type or brands do you recommend for mounting in the cubby, helm and stern?

Thanks again,
Bob

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fire protection?

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/fire/qa.html

The Phaseout of Halons

When was the production of halons banned?
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. banned the production and import of virgin halons 1211, 1301, and 2402 beginning January 1, 1994 in compliance with the Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete The Ozone Layer. Recycled halon and inventories produced before January 1, 1994, are now the only sources of supply.
EPA's final rule published March 5, 1998 (63 FR 11084), bans the formulation of any blend of two or more of these halons with one exception. An exemption is provided for halon blends formulated using recycled halon solely for the purpose of aviation fire protection, provided that blends produced under this exemption are recycled to meet the relevant purity standards for each individual halon. A fact sheet summarizing this rule is also available from the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline.


Must I now dismantle my halon fire protection system?
No. It is legal to continue to use your existing halon system. It is even legal to purchase recycled halon and halon produced before the phaseout to recharge your system.
However, due to the fact that halons deplete the ozone layer, users are encouraged to consider replacing their system and making their halon stock available for users with more critical needs.


Are there any federal laws on emissions of halons?
EPA's final rule published March 5, 1998 (63 FR 11084) prohibits the intentional release of Halon 1211, Halon 1301, and Halon 2402 during the testing, repairing, maintaining, servicing or disposal of halon-containing equipment or during the use of such equipment for technician training. The rule also requires appropriate training of technicians regarding emissions reduction and proper disposal of halon and halon-containing equipment (see the guidance document for more information). The rule became effective April 6, 1998.

Fire Extinguishers

Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers are required on boats where the following conditions exist:


(a) Inboard engines are used;
(b) Fuel is stored in closed compartments;
(c) Portable fuel tanks are stored in closed compartments;
(d) Boats with double bottoms not sealed or filled with flotation material;
(e) Closed living spaces;
(f) Flammable materials stowed in closed compartments;
(g) Permanent fuel tanks, or portable tanks that can't be lifted by those aboard.


In practice, most boats with any type of fuel aboard need to carry at least one fire extinguisher. Most boaters will want to carry several.

Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The letter indicates the type of fire the unit is designed to extinguish. (Type B, for example, is designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.) The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher (minimum extinguishing agent weight).

Coast Guard approved extinguishers are handportable, either B-I or B-II classification, and have a specific marine mounting bracket. It is recommended that the extinguishers be mounted in a readily accessible position.


All extinguishers must be periodically inspected to make sure they are fully charged and all seals are secure. Pressure gauges should be in the operable range. Weigh extinguishers annually to be sure that the minimum weight is as stated on the extinguisher label. Generally, any use of an extinguisher means it should be replaced or recharged. Halon units must be inspected and tagged frequently. Their pressure gauges are not accurate indicators of the state of charge.Boats less than 26 feet long must have one type of B-I extinguisher.

Boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet long must have at least two B-I extinguishers or one B-II. With an approved fixed system (nonportable, automatic extinguishers), only one additional B-I type need be carried. Boats 40 feet to 65 feet long must carry at least three B-I extinguishers or one B-II and one B-I. If an approved fixed system is installed, two B-I types, or one B-II, will meet the portable extinguisher requirement.