Kidde Fire Systems Surge Protector P/N 81-CO2MAN-001 Manuale Utente

September 2013

1-3

September 2013

Carbon dioxide systems can also consist of hand hose lines permanently connected by means 

of fixed piping to a fixed supply of suppression agent. These systems are frequently provided 

for manual protection of small, localized equipment. Although not a substitute for a fixed 

system, a hose line can be used to supplement a fixed system where the hazard is accessible 

for manual firefighting.

The discharge of carbon dioxide in fire suppression concentrations if not properly handled, can 

create a serious threat to people. Suppression systems must be designed with appropriate 

safeguards to ensure the safety of all personnel who have reason to occupy a protected area.

Suppression systems also employ a variety of actuation methods and specialized components 

to ensure reliable operation and prompt fire suppression.

Carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere at an average concentration of about 0.03 percent 

by volume. It is also a normal end product of human and animal metabolism. The concentration 

of carbon dioxide in the air governs the rate at which carbon dioxide is released from the lungs 

and thus affects the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues. An increasing 

concentration of carbon dioxide in air can, therefore, become dangerous due to a reduction in 

the rate of release of carbon dioxide from the lungs and rate of oxygen intake.

The safeguards typically used to prevent personnel exposure to fire-fighting concentrations of 

CO

2

 fall into five categories:

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Adequate Path of Egress

•

Warning Signs and Personnel Education

•

Pre-Discharge Time Delays and Alarms

•

Stop Valves and Lock-Out Valves

•

Post-Release Warnings and Procedures

Careful study of each particular situation may indicate additional steps that may be required 

to prevent injury or death to personnel.

1-6.1.1

ADEQUATE PATH OF EGRESS
To promote quick and safe evacuation in the event of a discharge, the path of egress shall 

include:
•

Adequate aisleways and routes of exit, that are kept clear at all times

•

Necessary additional or emergency lighting, or both, and directional signs to ensure quick, 

safe evacuation

•

Only outward swinging, self-closing doors at exits from hazardous areas, and, where such 

doors are latched, provision of panic hardware

1-6.1.2

WARNING SIGNS AND PERSONNEL EDUCATION
Warning signs shall be posted inside and outside all areas protected by a carbon dioxide 

system, and also in adjoining areas where the suppression agent could migrate. These warning 

signs shall instruct the occupants to evacuate the area immediately when the alarms operate,