IC 9264 Preventing Automatic Fire Suppression System Failures On Underground Mining Belt Conveyors

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes Federal mandatory belt conveyor automatic fire suppression system installation requirements and inspection procedures, identifies system failure modes observed during in-mine investigations, and suggests system design and maintenance upgrades which, if implemented, would result in an improvement in overall system reliability. This report is a compilation of recommendations based on discussions with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors, review of manufacturer's literature, discussions with mine personnel, and research investigations of automatic fire suppression system performance in the laboratory and in mines. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements for installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire suppression systems should be regarded as minimum standards.