Section 26 in The Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016
26. Fire protection.
- All vessels used for the storage of flammable compressed gases shall be protected against fire hazards as under-(i)provision shall be made for an adequate supply of water and fire protection in the storage area in accordance with the provision of the rules and the regulation applicable in that area. The application of water may be by hydrants, hoses and mobile equipments, fixed monitors or by fixed spray systems which may be automatic. Control of water flow should be possible from outside any danger area. The fire water system shall be designed with medium velocity sprinklers for above ground storage vessels, filling sheds, loading or unloading area, and pump sheds having minimum spray density of 10 litre per minute per square meter for the single largest risk area and with additional requirements for hydrant points. In plants referred to in Table 4(A) of rule 22, the quantity of water available shall be sufficient for four hours of fire fighting, and in plants referred to in Table 4(B) of rule 22, the same shall be for two hours of fire fighting. For other installations not covered under Tables 4(A) and 4(B), the fire water storage shall be as approved by the Chief Controller;(ii)hydrants, where provided, shall be readily accessible at all times and so spaced as to provide for the protection of all vessels;(iii)sufficient length of fire hose shall be provided and shall be readily available. The outlet of each hose line shall be equipped with a combination jet and fog nozzle. The hoses should be maintained well and periodically inspected;(iv)mobile equipment , fixed monitors or fixed spray systems shall be designed to discharge water at a rate sufficient to maintain an adequate film of water over the surface of the vessel and supports under fire conditions;(v)consideration shall be given to the provision of mobile or fixed water spray systems giving suitable and effective protections for vehicle loading and unloading areas;(vi)at least two dry chemical powder type fire extinguishers of 9 kg. capacity each shall be installed at each point of access to the installations;(vii)In liquefied Petroleum Gas dispensing station for fuelling motor vehicles, having only underground or earth covered (mounded) liquefied petroleum gas storage vessels, two numbers seventy kilograms dry chemical type fire extinguishers shall be provided. In dispensing stations having above ground liquefied petroleum gas storage vessels, hydrants with minimum water pressure of seven kilograms per square centimetre shall be provided at convenient positions for around coverage of storage vessels and handling area, and water sprinklers with spray density of ten litres per minute per square metre shall be provided. The fire water pump shall be preferably diesel engine driven with capacity to deliver water at the rate and pressure specified above. The minimum fire water storage at the premises shall be that needed for fighting fire at least for one hour.
