SAFE STORAGE & HANDLING

FM 200 CYLINDERS
Private and Confidential

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS

Introduction..

• FM 200 Properties
• FM 200 Cylinder details
• Main causes of Accidents
• Main hazards of Gas cylinders
• PPE Requirements
• Identification
• Manual Handling FM 200 Gas Cylinders
• Transporting FM 200 Gas Cylinders
• Safe Storage of FM 200 Gas cylinders
• Action in case of discharge

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FM-200® Agent Approvals

• FM Approved
• Underwriters Laboratories Inc.(UL)
Recognized Component
• NFPA 2001 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems (Listed Alternative)
• US EPA SNAP Rpt.(Unrestricted Listed
Alternative)
• Australian Industrial Chemicals Notification
(Approved)
• German Institute for Environmental
Hygiene and Medicine (Approved)

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FM-200® Agent Physical Properties

HFC-227ea / Heptafluoropropane / CF3CHFCF3

Molecular weight 170
Boiling point -16.40 °C (2.4°F)
Freezing point -131 °C (-204 °F)
Ozone Depletion (ODP) 0
Atmospheric Lifetime (yrs) 36.5
Toxicology(Acute Exposure LC50) >80%
Cardiac Sensitization No Observed
Adverse Effect Level
(NOAEL) 9.0%
Flammable / explosive No
Inhalation LC50 (rat): >788, 696 ppm

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS Page 4

FM 200 Properties..
• FM-200® is a clean, safe fire fighting agent for
use in total flooding automatic extinguishing
systems.
• It is intended as a long term replacement for
Halon 1301 and, whilst maintaining the
excellent fire suppression properties of Halon,
has none of the environmental problems.
• FM-200® extinguishes primarily through heat
absorption, and does not sufficiently deplete
oxygen levels
• Exposure to FM-200® at the design
concentration of 7.17%*, and up to 9.0%, is not
hazardous to health.
• Exposure to higher concentrations is
permissible for limited periods..
• It is colorless, electrically non-conductive and
has a low odor.

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FM 200 Properties..
• US EPA and the NFPA recommend that
unnecessary exposure to any agent be avoided
and that personnel evacuate protected areas as
quickly as possible to avoid the decomposition
products of the fire.
• FM-200® agent discharging can be loud
enough to startle people in the vicinity, but is
unlikely to cause any permanent injury.
• Turbulence caused discharge can dislodge
substantial objects directly in its path, and
cause enough general turbulence within the
protected area to move paper and light objects.
• Direct contact with the vaporising liquid
discharged from an FM-200® nozzle has a
chilling effect on objects and in extreme cases
can cause frostbite to the skin.

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FM 200 Properties..
• It suppresses fire by a combination of
chemical and physical mechanisms with
minimal affect on the available oxygen.
• This allows people to see and breathe,
permitting them to leave the fire area safely.
• FM 200 fluid is acceptable for use in occupied
spaces when used in accordance with the
United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives
Policy (SNAP) program rules.

• Unnecessary exposure to the agent or the

decomposition products should be
avoided.

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FM 200 Properties..
FM-200® has the following advantages:
• Less visual obscurity and minimal risk to
personnel.
• Low toxicity.
• Most effective when used with automatic
detection to introduce FM-200® with a 10
second discharge.
• The ability to prevent re-ignition providing
concentration levels are maintained.

FM-200® is stored as a liquefied compressed gas

and is discharged into the protected area as a
vapour.
It is stored in approved DOT or TPED containers
and is super - pressurized with dry nitrogen to 25
bar @ 21 °C (360 psi @ 70 °F).

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 FM 200 Cylinders - Basics
• The agent is stored as a liquid at room temperature
• Containers are super-pressurised with nitrogen to 25
bar @ 21°C (agent vapour pressure 0,4 bar only)
• Container sizes:

Nitrogen

24.8 bar
– 8 / 16 / 32 / 52 / 106 / 147 / 180 ltr (TPED or DOT)
– 343 ltr (DOT only)
• Container with syphon tube
• Automatic/electric release (standard)

FM 200 ™
• Container supervision with pressure gauge
(standard) or low pressure switch (optional)
• Agent quantity check by weighing or with liquid level
device (normally during service)
• Pressure in distribution pipe max. 25 bar

9 FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS

FM 200 Cylinder Details
• Cylinder and Valve Assembly
• Control Head (Electric, Cable Operated, Lever
Operated, Pressure Operated and electric and
Cable Operated)
• Pressure Gauge
• Straps and Brackets for mounting the cylinder
• Manual Pull Station
• Actuation Hose
• Flexible Discharge Hose
• Discharge Nozzle
• Discharge Indicator
• Supervisory Pressure Switch (optional)
• Container label

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FM 200 Cylinder Valve

• The FM-200® valve is a high-flow-rate device

specially designed for use in fire systems.
• Container pressure is used within the valve to
create a positive force on the piston, sealing the
valve closed.
• Upper chamber pressure is released by the
electrical, mechanical or pneumatic actuator.
• The valve incorporates the following features:
– A pressure operated safety release device (burst disc).
– Main outlet, fitted with anti-recoil cap.
– A connection for a pneumatic, mechanical or electrical
actuator, fitted with safety cap.
– A connection for an electrical solenoid.
– A connection for the pneumatic actuation port.

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FM 200 Cylinder Details

The valve assembly is factory-fitted to the container and is

supplied pre-assembled with a low pressure switch (to be
ordered separately), pressure gauge and burst disc.

A burst disc is factory fitted to every valve assembly. This burst

disc is located on the cylinder valve assembly and serves to
protect the cylinder against excessive internal pressure.

The device continuously monitors the container pressure

and in the event of the pressure dropping below 20 bar (290
psi) the switch operates to enable the condition to be
signalled to a control unit.

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FM 200 Cylinder Details

The bracket assembly consists of one back channel and a

nut and bolt with two bracket half straps

The manual actuator is used to mechanically operate the

system at the container position and is fitted to the top of the
valve assembly

The pneumatic actuator is used to pneumatically operate the

system at the container position

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FM 200 System Details

The removable Manifolds are

electrical actuator fabricated sections
locates to the top of the of steel pipework
container valve

pressure switch is
Cylinders are connected to activated by
the system by means of a pressure from the
flexible discharge hose agent during
discharge

Manifold check valves FM 200 ™ is

are of mushroom pattern distributed within
type and lift into the the protected area
manifold as discharge by the discharge
occurs. nozzle

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 FM 200 valve details

ACTUATION CAP

Anti Recoil safety cap must be installed on the discharge

ANTI-RECOIL CAP outlet whenever a charged cylinder and valve assembly is
not connected to the system piping.

Failure to install the safety cap could result in violent

movement of the cylinder in the event of
inadvertent actuation.

Failure to follow these instructions could cause personal

injury and/or property damage.

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 FM 200 System Details

Electrical Actuator Location Pneumatic Actuator Location

Manual Actuator Location

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 FM 200 System Setup

Manifolded System
Modularised System

• Easier design (hydraulic)

• Less costs
• Different container sizes

17 FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS

 Many industrial
operations require the
use of compressed
gases for a variety of
different operations.

FM 200 cylinders
primarily used as Fire
protection agent for
total flooding of rooms

WARNING : PRESSURIZED GAS CYLINDERS CAN CREATE POTENTIAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS IF NOT PROPERLY HANDLED

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS

Why These Guidelines Are Vital To Your Safety
• A compressed gas cylinder is • Over 300 kg of steel,
like a sleeping giant. traveling at high speed, can
• It is heavy, smooth, and hard cause severe damage,
to grip securely. personal injury and even
death.
• It can be up to 1.64 mts tall,
may weight up to 150 kg full • Depending on the gas,
and be pressurized up to 30 additional chemical physical
bar and health hazards are also
possible including but not
• The effects of unintentional
limited to: flammable, toxic,
release of energy by a
corrosive, oxidizing,
compressed gas cylinder
pyrophoric, asphyxiate etc
could result in projectile
movement of cylinders
• Improper handling of heavy
FM 200 cylinder shall result in
manual handling injuries.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 19

Incidents…e.g.
• Release of FM 200 cylinder due to
unauthorized handling..
• Fall of pipes over stacked
cylinders…
• Finger injury while shifting cylinder
from cylinder cage..
• Fall of cylinder cage during
transportation..
• Unsafe transportation of INERGEN
Cylinder in back of vehicle..
• Unsafe transportation of cylinder in
unauthorized vehicles.
• FM 200 Cylinder was released due
to manual call point activation due
to human error

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 20

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 21
FM 200 Cylinder hazards..
Physical Hazard
• Tip over / fall over
• Sudden release of cylinder
• Projectile movement of cylinder.
• Flying fragments / Impact from falling /
moving cylinders
• Frost Bite
• Noise during sudden release
Chemical Hazard
• Inert gas
• Asphyxiation
• Exposure to FM 200

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS PRESENT BOTH PHYSICAL AND

CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORK PLACE

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 22

FM 200 Cylinder hazards..
Possible Injuries
• Manual Handling injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and burns
• Fracture
• Asphyxiation
• Cold bite

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 23

Main causes of Accident involving cylinders..

• Lack of awareness
• Inadequate training and
supervision
• Poor installation
• Poor examination and maintenance
• Incorrect handling
• Incorrect storage
• Inadequately ventilated working
conditions

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 24

How to reduce Risk?
• Adequate training
• Correct handling and Use
• Correct lifting
• Correct transport
• Correct storage
• Correct PPE

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 25

Training

Cylinder Handling training

mandatory to all employees
involved in handling of FM 200
cylinders
• Identification of cylinders
• Correct use of PPE
• Handling / use of cylinder
• Correct Transport method
• Correct Storage method

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 26

Training

• All persons who may be

expected to inspect, test,
maintain or operate the fire
extinguishing system shall be
kept adequately trained in the
functions they are expected to
perform.
• Personnel working in an
enclosure protected by a
gaseous extinguish ant shall
receive training in the
operation, use of the system
and safety issues.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 27

Identification Stickers..

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 28

 Know and understand the properties and hazards
associated with each gas before using it!!!

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 29

Mandatory PPE requiremetns...

• Following PPE shall be use

while handling FM 200 cylinder
– Safety Shoes,
– Helmet
– Goggles
– Ear Plug
– Coveralls
– Hand gloves

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 30

Correct Manual Handling
• Ensure all personnel are thoroughly
trained in the safe handling of FM
200 Cylinders WARNING!!!
• Wear recommended PPE
Pressurized (charged) cylinders
• Ensure that the cylinder ANTI are extremely hazardous and if
RECOIL CAP IS FIXED to the FM 200 not handled properly are
cylinder discharge capable of violent discharge.
This may result in serious
• Always double check that the
bodily, injury, death and
cylinder is the right one (Empty / property damage.
full)
• Unsecured freestanding FM 200
cylinders are not permitted.
• FM 200 Cylinders must not be
rolled, dragged or slid, nor allowed
to be slid.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 31

Manual Handling..
• Suitable Cylinder handling trolley
shall be used to shift cylinders.
WARNING!!!
• Cylinders must not be dropped or
permitted to strike violently against Do not disconnect the FM 200
each other or other surfaces. cylinder from system piping /
securing arrangement, if the
• Cylinders must be stored standing
Anti recoil cap is missing.
upright where they are not likely to
be knocked over, or the cylinders
must be secured.
• FM 200 cylinder is factory equipped
with ANTI RECOIL CAP installed on
the valve outlet, and securely
chained to the valve to prevent loss.
• This device is a safety feature, and
will provide controlled safe
discharge when installed if the
cylinder is actuated accidentally.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 32
Manual Handling..
• Solenoid protection cap shall be
installed on the actuation port prior
to disconnection cylinder from
securing arrangement.
• The cap is attached to the actuation
port to prevent tampering or
depression of the actuating pin.
• No attachments (Actuator, pressure
control head) are to be connected to
the actuation port during shipment,
storage, or handling
• Do not place the cylinder in uneven
damaged floor surface
• Do not lift cylinders by the cylinder
valve

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 33

Correct Transport Methods – Cylinder trolley
• Using the FM 200 cylinder
handling trolley saves time and
effort and protects the floor from
damage.
• The cylinder trolleys shall not be
overloaded.
• When moving cylinders use
cylinder trolley, use specifically
designed to transport FM 200
cylinders.
• Ensure fm 200 Cylinders on
trolley is secured with chains.
• Only trained persons shall be
allowed to move FM 200
cylinders using trolleys.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 34

Cylinder Trolleys…..
• Survey trolley movement area for any
obstruction.
• Ensure anti recoil cap installed in valve
discharge
• Cylinders must be moved compactly in the
upright position
• Cylinders must not be rolled, dragged or
slid, nor allowed to be slid.
• Ensure the cylinder are secured with chains
• Never attempt to repair or to alter cylinders,
valves, or safety relief devices
• Do not disconnect the cylinder from system
piping if the Anti Recoil cap is missing.

Do not disconnect the

cylinder from system
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS
piping if the safety cap is
missing.
Using Cylinder Baskets
• Suitable designed Cylinder basket
to carry FM 200 cylinder shall be
used for Transportation
• Ensure Anti Recoil cap connected
to valve discharge
• Ensure cylinder cage is not
overloaded
• Cylinders shall be secured insider
the cylinder cage using ratchet
strap
• Cylinder cage shall be suitable
secured to the Vehicle loading bay

Cylinders shall not be hoisted by

wrapping slings or chokers around
them, they shall be secured in an
approved rack or cylinder truck.
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 36
Using Cylinder Baskets
• Take care while moving forward as
vision will be restricted
• Use adequate banks-men to guide
• Ensure the cylinder cage door is firmly
locket prior to lifting
• Use correct size securing baskets to
prevent loose cylinders.

The anti recoil cap must be installed in the

valve outlet AT ALL TIMES except when the
cylinders are connected into the system
piping or being filled.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 37

FM 200 Cylinder Storage
• Storage location should provide
protection from severe weather,
mechanical, chemical, external heat or
other types of damage.
• Filled and pressurized the FM-200®
extinguishing system should not be
exposed to temperatures other than
the storage / operating temperature
range of 0 to 54 °C.(32 °F to 130 °F).
• Do not store gas cylinders under
direct sunlight
• Store away from strong bases,
amines, and alcohols.
• Avoid storing gas cylinders so that
they stand or lie in water

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 38

Cylinder Storage….
• FM 200 Gas cylinders must be
clearly marked to show what they
contain and the hazards
associated with their contents
• Cylinders shall not be placed
where they might become part of
an electrical circuit or arc.
• Full and empty cylinders should
be separated.
• Cylinders are not to be stored
near readily ignitable substances
or be exposed to corrosive
chemicals or fumes
• Cylinders shall not be stored near
elevators, walkways, building
egresses, unprotected platform
edges, or in locations where
heavy moving objects may strike
or fall on them.
FIRE PROTECTION
• .
FIRE DETECTION 39
SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS
Cylinder Storage….
• Warning Notices installed at each
manual release position in in
respective locations.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 40

Cylinder Storage…..
• Install warning signs in storage area.
• Access to storage area shall be
provided to authorized person only
• All cylinders shall be secured to
prevent falling/tipping/rolling and shall
be stored and used valve end up.
• Secure with straps or chains
connected to a wall bracket or other
fixed surface, or by use of a cylinder
stand.
• “DONOT” secure cylinder by the
valve.
• The storage area shall be inside the
fenced plant area / protected area
preventing unauthorised entry.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 41

Cylinder Storage…..
• Ensure storage area is well ventilated.
• Solenoid protection cap shall be
installed on the actuation port.
• No attachments (Actuator, pressure
control head) are to be connected to
the actuation port during shipment,
storage, or handling
• FM 200 cylinder storage shall not be
used to store any other materials.
• Display MSDS in storage area.
• Gass cylinder storage area shall not
be used for any other activities.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 42

Action in case of FM 200 release…..
• Inform emergency services, Fire, Accident,
Police if appropriate.
• Organize a ‘roll-call’ of employee and visitors.
• In the case of deep seated fires, the hazard
space should be kept tightly closed for at least
60 minutes after discharge of the FM-200®
extinguishing agent.
• It is essential that the fire be completely
extinguished before ventilating the space.
• Before permitting any one to enter the space,
ventilate thoroughly or ensure self-contained
breathing equipment is used.
• Do not enter the hazard area in which fire has
been extinguished with an open flame or
lighted cigarette as the possible presence of
flammable vapours may cause re-ignition or
explosion.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 43

Action in case of FM 200 release…..
• FM-200® has low boiling point, consequently the
discharge is very cold at the point where it leaves
the nozzle.
• Care should be taken to avoid working within 1
metre (3.28 ft) of FM-200® discharge nozzles.
• Use a fresh air mask or self contained breathing
equipment.
• Do Not use a filter mask or canister type mask.
• Do Not enter space unless you are under
observation from outside the space, or tethered by
a lifeline.
• Ensure that all pressurized equipment is isolated or
safe from release.

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 44

Dont’s With Cylinders

45
FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS
Sum up…..

• Always read the MSDS before working with a

compressed gas.
• Positively identify the gas you are working with.
• Always go through the inspection checklist.
• Be sure the work area is well ventilated.
• Know the emergency procedures for the particular
gas being used and the location of the emergency
equipment.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment

IF YOU HAVE DOUBT!!! ASK!!!

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS 46

Thank you very much for your
attention!!!!

Any Questions..

FIRE PROTECTION FIRE DETECTION SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS Page 47