Fire suppression system owners guide

Daily Maintenance Schedule – SAFECAF Fire Suppression System

1. Check Pressure Gauges

There are two pressure gauges that must be checked daily:

Low-Pressure Gauge (Foam/Water System)

• Location: Valve manifold at the top of the taps

• Operating Range: 180–200 PSI

• If outside this range, contact BMC Partnership immediately.

High-Pressure Gauge (Nitrogen Bottle)

• Location: Nitrogen bottle

• Operating Range (with nitrogen turned on): 2000–2200 PSI

• If outside this range, contact BMC Partnership immediately.

Additional Inspection Requirements:

• Gauges must not be tampered with.

• Both gauges must be liquid-filled.

• The dial must move when the nitrogen bottle is turned on.

• If any leak, scratch, damage, or abnormal movement is detected, contact BMC Partnership immediately.

2. Blow Out Nozzles

The blow-out procedure ensures discharge lines and nozzles remain clear of debris.

Procedure:

1. Locate the fire system blow-out valve (one-way valve with claw air connection).

2. Disconnect your air wand.

3. Push the yellow air hose into the claw connection and turn clockwise to ensure a snug fit.

4. Turn the air compressor on for 30 seconds to purge the system.

5. Turn the air compressor off.

6. Disconnect the air hose via the quick coupling.

⚠ Important:

• Never remove the claw connection or one-way valve from the system.

• Only connect and disconnect the air hose via the quick coupling.

Nozzle Locations (4 Total):

Accumulator (2 nozzles – horizontal)

• Top right-hand side

• Top left-hand side

Feeder Belt Area (2 nozzles – 45° angle toward rear of machine)

• Middle right

• Middle left

If excessive cotton trash or debris is present, repeat the blow-out procedure until clear.

3. Review Activation Procedure (Daily Requirement)

The most important component of daily maintenance is ensuring the operator knows the activation procedure from memory.

During a fire event, panic can result in missed steps or delayed action. A fast, calm, and structured response is critical to successful fire suppression.

Operators must mentally rehearse the activation procedure daily.

SAFECAF Activation Procedure

Step 1 – Remain Calm & Assess

• Stop the machine safely.

• Assess the fire location.

• If the fire poses significant personal risk, evacuate immediately and call 000.

• Personal safety is always the priority.

Step 2 – Turn Nitrogen Bottle ON

• Open the nitrogen bottle fully.

Step 3 – Activate Foam System (Accumulator / RMB Valve ON)

• Turn on the accumulator / RMB foam valve.

• This will flood the accumulator and feeder belt areas with foam.

• If fire is present in engine bay, activate engine bay nozzles.

This creates rapid foam build-up in high-risk fire zones.

Step 4 – Dump Cotton & Clear Machine

• Dump all cotton from the accumulator.

• Wrap the bale.

• Remove burning material from the machine where safely possible.

Step 5 – Deploy Fire Hose (If Required)

If fire remains present:

• Pull hose from tray.

• Turn fire hose valve ON.

• Move to a safe position.

• Apply foam directly to remaining fire source.

Critical Safety Reminder

If at any stage the fire escalates beyond control or threatens operator safety:

• Move to a safe location.

• Call 000 immediately.

Machines and property can be replaced. Human life cannot.

WARNING – SYSTEM RECHARGE PROCEDURE

SAFECAF System Recharge – Overview and Disclaimer

The following information is provided as a general overview only to demonstrate the basic principles of the SAFECAF system recharge process. This overview does not replace the official SAFECAF recharge procedure. The complete, approved recharge procedure is issued only after formal training has been completed and the individual has been assessed and signed off as a competent, authorised person by BMC Partnership. Recharge of the SAFECAF system must be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved procedures, product requirements, and safety guidelines provided during training. The system contains high-pressure nitrogen cylinders, and incorrect handling, disassembly, or connection of components may result in serious injury, equipment damage, or unintended system discharge. If the system requires recharging, BMC Partnership has qualified personnel available to provide rapid service, ensuring the system is recharged or maintained correctly and efficiently so the machine can return to operation as quickly as possible. While BMC Partnership can also provide training for individuals to recharge the system under our requirements, authorisation is granted only to those who demonstrate competency, understanding, and strict adherence to all procedural requirements. Authorised individuals may recharge only their own system. This is undertaken entirely at the owner/purchaser’s risk. Although BMC Partnership provides guidance and outlines all procedures necessary to recharge the system correctly, we cannot guarantee full compliance if the recharge is not performed by BMC Partnership personnel. Consequently, BMC Partnership accepts no responsibility or liability for issues arising from incorrectly performed recharge or maintenance.

(Overview Only)

1. Depressurize the Tank

•

Open the relief valve to release all internal pressure.

•

Confirm that both pressure gauges read zero before continuing. Do not proceed until pressure is fully released.

2. Add Foam Concentrate

•

Attach the supplied funnel to the concentrate valve (ensure the valve is closed before attaching).

•

Fill the funnel with foam concentrate up to the marked fill level.

•

Open the concentrate valve and allow the concentrate to drain completely into the tank.

•

Close the concentrate valve once filling is complete.

3. Add Water

•

Connect a water hose to the fill valve.

•

Open the fill valve and begin filling the tank with water.

•

When a continuous, steady stream of water flows from the relief hose, close the fill valve. This indicates the tank is full.

4. Seal the System

•

Close the relief valve and the concentrate valve.

•

Verify that all valves are closed and secure before pressurization.

5. Replace the Nitrogen Cylinder

•

Remove the empty nitrogen cylinder.

•

Install a new, full cylinder in its place, ensuring it is tightened and secured according to safety guidelines.

SAFETY DATA SHEET

BUCKEYE PLATINUM CLASS A

Buckeye Fire Equipment

SECTION I. Chemical Product and Company Identification

Product Name: Buckeye Platinum Class A (BFC-CA.1)

Synonym: Class A, Foam fire suppressant

Manufacturer: Buckeye Fire Equipment Company

110 Kings Road

Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Telephone: 704.739.7415

Web Address: www.buckeyefire.com

Email Address: [email protected]

Recommended Use: Fire suppression, not for human or animal drug use.

Emergency: CHEMTREC 1.800.424.9300

Revision Date: 05/2015

SECTION II. Hazard Identification and Emergency Overview GHS – Classification GHS Label Elements: Hazard Symbols: WARNING Signal Word: NONE Hazard Statements: H320 Causes eye irritation Precautionary Statements: P101 If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. P102 Keep out of reach of children. P234 Keep in original container. P251 Pressurized container; do not pierce or burn, even after use P264 Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling P301+322 If swallowed, drink 2-3 glasses of water. P302+352 If on skin, wash with soap and water P305+351+338 If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, and continue to rinse. P337+313 If eye irritation persists, get medical advice/attention. P401+402+403 Store in original container in a dry, well ventilated place.

SECTION III. Composition/Information on Ingredients Chemical Name Weight %*CAS #Water > 36 7732-18-5 Hexylene Glycol 21 107-41-5 Alpha Olefin Sulfonate 28 68439-57-6 Proprietary mixture of surfactants, foam < 15 N/A stabilizers, and inorganic salts* % is rounded to the nearest appropriate number. Values are not to be considered product specifications Note: Buckeye Platinum Class A does not degrade into nor does it contain PFOS.

SECTION IV. First Aid Measures Eye Exposure- Flush eyes at eye wash station for 15 minutes and repeat until pain-free. If irritation develops or persists or vision changes occur, seek medical attention. Skin Exposure- Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation develops or persists, seek medical attention. Inhalation- Move victim to fresh air. Trained personnel may provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. If irritation develops or persists, seek medical attention. Ingestion- If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-3 glasses of water to drink. Do not leave victim unattended. Seek immediate medical attention. On the advice of medical personnel, induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs and the victim is conscious, give additional water to further dilute the chemical. Prevent aspiration of swallowed product by laying victim on side with head lower than their waist. Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Exposure- Inhalation of the product may aggravate existing chronic respiratory conditions.

SECTION V. Firefighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: N/A. This product is an extinguishing agent. It is nonflammable and noncombustible. Special Firefighting Procedures: N/A Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: This product may decompose in fire and release oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. (Refer to Section X). Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact or Static Discharge: None

SECTION VI. Accidental Release Measures

Large spills (1 drum or more) should be addressed by hazardous materials technicians following a site-specific emergency response plan and trained in the appropriate use of personal protection equipment. Clean up released product using absorbent socks for containment followed by absorbent material within the containment. If deemed necessary, wear appropriate APR for amines/glycol ethers (See Section VIII). Bag and drum for disposal. If product is used on a fire and/or contaminated, use personal protection equipment and containment appropriate to the nature of the mixture. Prevent material from entering waterways. Handle and dispose of as a hazardous waste unless testing indicates otherwise. Decontaminate with detergent and water.

SECTION VII. Handling and Storage

Avoid eye, respiratory, and skin exposure. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling. Wash thoroughly after handling (Refer to Section VIII). Product should be stored in its original container or extinguisher. Use in well-ventilated areas. Do not mix with other extinguishing agents.

SECTION VIII. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

During the use of this product on fires, exhaust gases and products of incomplete combustion are the main respiratory hazards. In the manufacture of this product, employers and employees must use their collective judgment in determining the on-the-job settings where the use of a respirator is prudent. The need for respiratory protection is not likely for short-term use in well-ventilated areas.

Respiratory Protection: Use air-purifying respirators or powered air-purifying respirators with organic vapor and amine cartridges for short-term exposures, otherwise use positive pressure supplied air respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Eye Protection: Wear chemical goggles.

Skin Protection: Use nitrile, latex, or similar gloves and coveralls. Good personal hygiene practices are essential. After handling the product, avoid food, tobacco products, or other means of transferring the product from hand to mouth until after thoroughly washing.

SECTION IX. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance and Odor: Pale yellow liquid solution with a mild, sweet odor.

Specific Gravity: 1.02

Boiling Point: 70º C

Flash Point: 88º C

Flammability: N/A

Solubility: 100%

SECTION X. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable

Incompatibles: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizers. Reactive metals. Any material reactive with water

Decomposition Products: Not known, but oxides of sulfur and nitrogen may be formed.

Hazardous Reactions: None

SECTION XI. Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry:

Eye Contact: May cause mild transient irritation

Skin Contact: May cause mild transient irritation and/or dermatitis

Inhalation: Inhalation is not anticipated to be a problem

Ingestion: Irritating to mucous membranes. Large oral doses could produce narcosis

Chronic Toxicity: This product’s ingredients are not considered as probable or suspected carcinogens by OSHA, IARC, or ACGIH.

Reproductive Toxicity: This product is not known to have any reproductive effects.

SECTION XII. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May cause harm to aquatic life, due to oxygen depletion from the dilution of product after use. Degradibility: Biodegradable in water.

SECTION XIII. Disposal Consideration

This product is not a RCRA characteristically hazardous or listed hazardous waste. Dispose of according to state or local laws, which may be more restrictive than federal regulations. Be aware that product used on a fire may be altered or contaminated and thereby require different disposal considerations.

SECTION XIV. Transportation Information This product is not defined as a hazardous material under U.S. Department of Transportation 49 CFR 172, or by Transport Canada “Transportation of Dangerous Goods” regulations.

SECTION XV. Regulatory Information International Inventory Status: Some ingredients are on the following inventories

SECTION XVI. Other Information

This Safety Data Sheet prepared in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

HMIS RATINGS:

Health 1

Flammability 0

Reactivity 0

Personal Protective Equipment: use eye protection, gloves, and appropriate skin protection (See Section 8)

WHMIS (Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Identification)

D2B- May irritate eyes, mucous membranes, or skin

The information contained herein is given in good faith as typical values and not as product specifications. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is hereby made.