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CO2 Firefighting Systems

Mintra 5 questions

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A fixed carbon dioxide (CO₂) system floods a space with CO₂ to smother a fire by removing the oxygen. It is powerful and permanent, and lethal to anyone still inside. This guide covers inspection, coverage, the hazards and re-entry.[1]

Inspection and coverage

The CO₂ firefighting system should be inspected monthly. Fixed CO₂ systems typically protect cargo holds, engine rooms and pump rooms.

Hazards to people

Carbon dioxide is lethal to people, not just to fire. CO₂ levels higher than 17% can result in loss of bodily control, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death.

System activation

When the system's control cabinet is opened, a sequence of safety actions occurs: the fire flaps will close, the space's ventilation will be deactivated, and the carbon dioxide alarm will activate. Treat the alarm as an order to evacuate — the space is about to be flooded.

Re-entry

Before re-entry, a CO₂-filled space must be left for at least 24 hours as a minimum, to allow the atmosphere to be made safe.

Key facts to remember

  • CO₂ system inspected monthly.
  • Typically covers cargo holds, engine rooms and pump rooms.
  • Over 17% CO₂: loss of bodily control, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma, death.
  • Opening the control cabinet closes fire flaps, deactivates ventilation, activates the CO₂ alarm.
  • Minimum 24 hours before re-entry to a CO₂-filled space.

Sources

  1. SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) — fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems for machinery spaces, cargo spaces and pump rooms.

Compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against the official documents. Published by the MaritimeTest editorial team.

First 4 of 5 questions — with answers

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  1. Question 1

    How often should the CO2 firefighting system be inspected?
    • Monthly.
    • Weekly.
    • Daily.

  2. Question 2

    Which of the following spaces are typically covered by a fixed carbon dioxide system?
    • Cargo holds.
    • Engine rooms.
    • Pump rooms.
    • The bridge.
    • Accommodation spaces.

  3. Question 3

    Carbon dioxide levels higher than 17 % can result in which of the following?
    • Loss of bodily control, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death.
    • Nausea, nosebleeds and tingling in extremities.
    • Increased heart rate, headache, perspiration and rapid, shallow breathing.

  4. Question 4

    Which of the following will occur when the system's control cabinet is opened?
    • The fire flaps will close.
    • The space's ventilation will be deactivated.
    • The carbon dioxide alarm will activate.
    • Ventilation within the space will be activated.
    • The fire flaps will open.

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