GP 24-23 25 March 2009

Document No.
GP 24-23
Applicability Group
Date 25 March 2009
GP 24-23
Active Fire Protection - Offshore
Group Practice
BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Foreword
This revision of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) GP 24-23 includes updating the document
format, reorganisation of some clauses, and minor content change. The changes were so extensive that
revisions have not been identified in the margin as is normal practice.
Copyright © 2009 BP International Ltd. All rights reserved.

This document and any data or information generated from its use are classified, as a
minimum, BP Internal. Distribution is intended for BP authorized recipients only. The
information contained in this document is subject to the terms and conditions of the
agreement or contract under which this document was supplied to the recipient's
organization. None of the information contained in this document shall be disclosed
outside the recipient's own organization, unless the terms of such agreement or contract
expressly allow, or unless disclosure is required by law.
In the event of a conflict between this document and a relevant law or regulation, the
relevant law or regulation shall be followed. If the document creates a higher obligation, it
shall be followed as long as this also achieves full compliance with the law or regulation.
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Normative references............................................................................................................. 4
3. Terms and definitions............................................................................................................. 4
4. Symbols and abbreviations .................................................................................................... 8
5. Requirements for active fire protection................................................................................... 8
5.1. Roles in fire hazard management ............................................................................... 8
5.2. System performance specifications............................................................................. 9
5.3. System inspection, maintenance, and repair............................................................. 10
5.4. Adverse effects ......................................................................................................... 10
6. Role of fire teams................................................................................................................. 10
7. Firewater infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 10
7.1. General..................................................................................................................... 10
7.2. Firewater demand and system capacity .................................................................... 10
7.3. Response time.......................................................................................................... 11
7.4. Fire pumps................................................................................................................ 11
7.5. Firewater system....................................................................................................... 14
8. Fixed firewater systems ....................................................................................................... 16
8.1. Deluge systems, including water curtains ................................................................. 16
8.2. Fixed monitors .......................................................................................................... 19
8.3. Fixed foam systems .................................................................................................. 20
8.4. Foam addition to deluge systems.............................................................................. 21
8.5. Hydrants and manual firefighting equipment ............................................................. 23
8.6. Sprinkler systems...................................................................................................... 23
9. Specialty extinguishing systems........................................................................................... 24
9.1. General..................................................................................................................... 24
9.2. Fine water mist ......................................................................................................... 25
9.3. Gaseous systems ..................................................................................................... 25
9.4. Galley systems ......................................................................................................... 26
10. Portable firefighting equipment ............................................................................................ 26
10.1. Hydrants ................................................................................................................... 26
10.2. Fire extinguishers...................................................................................................... 26
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 27
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
1. Scope
a. This Group Practice (GP) provides requirements for the selection, design, and installation
of active fire protection for offshore exploration and production facilities.
b. This GP covers active systems, including firewater supply systems, fixed fire protection,
portable equipment, extinguishers, and the arrangements for manual firefighting.
c. This GP does not define the need for active fire protection or the standard for fire
protection.
d. This GP covers the protection of offshore fire hazards that may constitute a direct risk to
life through their immediate effects or through escalation, including well, well service,
riser, process hydrocarbon hazards, fuel, utilities, and accommodations.
e. This GP covers drilling and blowout hazards and equipment on production installations or
wellhead towers in which the drilling rig is an integral part of the facility. This GP does not
apply to mobile offshore drilling units (MODU) or the fire protection of “knock down”
drilling rigs that are owned by others and assembled as required on the facility.
f. This GP does not cover use of active systems to reduce the overpressure of explosions, but
it does cover the protection from fires that may occur following plant or structural damage
caused by the explosion.
2. Normative references
None.
3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
Active fire protection

A system for fire prevention or control requiring moving parts and mechanical system that may or may
not require human intervention to initiate. These include water deluge and foam systems, gaseous
suppression systems, water mist, monitors, and fire extinguishers.
Catastrophic hazards
Hazard of severity such that preservation of lives of personnel on facility cannot be demonstrated and
design is such that effects cannot be mitigated to allow controlled evacuation.
Catastrophic escalation
Escalation that could lead to destruction of the facility before safe evacuation can be achieved.
Compartment fire
Fire originating in a modular compartment of an offshore installation.
Confined fire
Fire within an area such that the shape of the flames is severely disrupted by the presence of walls or
ceilings, but the ventilation may not be restricted to the extent that it is ventilation controlled.
Control systems
(In the context of control measures for hazards rather than instrumented control systems). Measures,
systems, procedures, or processes that limit the severity of hazards.
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Controllable hazards
Hazard that has potential for local damage, harm to personnel, and escalation to a higher category if
not effectively controlled and mitigated by inherently safer design (ISD) and safety critical design
measures (SCDM).
Deluge header
Piping arrangement that distributes firewater from fire pumps and mains to the inlets to deluge
systems.
Deluge system
System designed to distribute water spray onto specific targets either to suppress fires or to protect
equipment and structures from the effects of fire or thermal radiation.
Escape route
Route whereby persons can remove themselves from a dangerous location to a place of safety.
Escape system
Secondary means for escape from an installation in which the individuals need to depend upon their
own resources for survival (e.g., life rafts or descent devices).
Evacuation hazards
Hazard that has the potential, after a defined period of time under major accident conditions, to
endanger lives of personnel on a facility through progressive escalation or through eventual
impairment of muster locations, temporary refuge, and evacuation systems. ISD and SCDM combine
to delay escalation long enough for controlled evacuation to take place.
Evacuation route
Path of minimum length from a workstation that is accessible at all times for employees to reach the
evacuation system.
Evacuation system
A system consisting of boats, helicopters, or other means to evacuate the offshore installation.
Exposure protection
Fire protection offered from a suppression system for a specific type of fire event (e.g., jet fire or pool
fire).
External flaming
Effect that occurs outside a roofed module if the fire size or ventilation conditions are such that a
significant proportion of the flames extends beyond the module boundary to affect the areas to either
side and above.
Fire and explosion hazard management (FEHM)

Active management of fire and explosion hazards from knowledge of the causes, likelihood, severity,
and consequences of major accidents that could arise. FEHM delivers a hazard management strategy
such that major accidents can be preferentially eliminated, prevented, and controlled such that
evacuation is not necessary, or in extreme cases, that safe evacuation can be achieved.
Fixed monitor
Part of the active fire protection system. This device is fixed in a permanent location, connected to the
firewater supply, and capable of directing a straight or diffuse jet of water through a variable
horizontal trajectory and elevation towards a potential fire location. Typical monitors have a capacity
from 1 800 l/min to 3 600 l/min (475 gpm to 950 gpm).
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Fixed system
Permanently installed system that either extinguishes or controls a fire at the location of the system.
Hazard
Condition or practice with the potential to cause harm to people, the environment, property, or BP’s
reputation.
Helideck reference area

Landing area as defined by local regulations for the largest helicopter for which the helideck is
certified.
Integrated platform
Having all the facilities upon one supporting structure or floating hull. This may include processing,
wells, drilling facilities, riser utilities, and accommodations.
Jet fire
Fire caused by the release and ignition of a pressurised gas.
Manual firefighting
Involving personnel using portable or fixed firefighting equipment to extinguish a fire.
Muster location
Designated place where personnel can muster and survive the effect of a major hazard accident while
awaiting evacuation.
Natural gas liquids (NGLs)

Portions of reservoir gas that are liquefied at the surface in lease separators, field facilities, or gas
processing plants. NGLs include ethane, propane, butanes, pentanes, natural gasoline, and condensate.
Passive fire protection

Fire protection that does not require power sources or initiation to achieve its aim. This is generally
applied to firewalls and systems that protect the plant and structures by preventing the transfer of heat
and temperature fires for a defined period. It may include systems that react to the fire (e.g.,
intumescent paints).
Performance standard
Describes the functionality (response time, duration, flow, or application rate), reliability (probability
of components, parts, and systems to perform their required functions for a desired period of time
without failure in specified environments with a desired confidence), and survivability (equipment
remaining operational after a fire or other event) of a protection system.
Pool fire
Turbulent diffusion fire that burns above a horizontal pool of vaporising hydrocarbon fuel in which the
fuel has zero or low initial momentum.
Pool/spray transition pressure

Pressure below which an ignited pressurised liquid release burns as a pool and above which a
significant portion burns as a spray.
Portable firefighting equipment

Firefighting equipment that is not fixed and is intended to be moved to location in the event of a fire.
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Probability of failure on demand

Probability that a system will fail to perform a specified function on demand.
Radiant heat flux

Amount of radiant heat from a heat source, such as a fire, that flows through a unit area of a piece of
equipment or structure per unit time.
Ring main
Method of distributing firewater around a platform such that any point can be supplied from at least
two different directions. In this GP, a ring main is only used for hydrants in process and well bay areas
and for supplies to nonhazardous areas. Deluge systems should be supplied through a deluge header.
Risk
A measure of loss/harm to people, the environment, compliance status, Group reputation, assets, or
business performance in terms of the product of the probability of an event occurring and the
magnitude of its impact. Throughout this Practice, the term “risk” is used to describe health, safety,
security, environmental, and operational (HSSE&O) undesired events.
Safety critical design measure (SCDM)

Those safety systems, devices, and controls that are designed to prevent, detect, control, or mitigate a
major accident or facilitate the escape and survival of people. These are also referred to as “safety
critical elements” in some regions and “protective systems”.
Prevention
Design measures to prevent a major accident through effective monitoring and process safety
systems, with automatic executive action to remedy abnormal plant behaviour where
appropriate.
Control
These are the active and passive measures to prevent escalation of a major accident and to bring
the plant to a stable condition over a defined time period without operator intervention. Operator
intervention should be possible, but not relied upon to carry out essential incident control.
Mitigation
These are measures that provide reliable protection for personnel and critical equipment or
structure from the effects of a major accident. It is often through barriers, structural strength and
active fire protection.
Spray fire
Fire characteristics resulting from the release of pressurised liquid such that the droplet generation and
heat feedback cause the liquid to burn as a spray rather than dropping out to form a pool fire. A spray
fire is normally defined by the pool/spray transition pressure.
Temporary refuge (TR)

Location (typically in an enclosure or building) that enables occupants to survive defined major
accidents, including fire or blast events. Other commonly used names are “protected muster location”
or “safe muster location” or, less commonly used, “safe refuge”. TR should be safely accessible by
personnel not in immediate vicinity of event, provide protection from event, and provide life support
systems for designated period. Direct access to primary evacuation facilities (e.g., lifeboats) should be
available. A temporary refuge could be the living quarters and is generally where the majority of
personnel reside.
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
4. Symbols and abbreviations
For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
AFFF Aqueous film forming foam.
BC Bicarbonate.
EA Engineering authority.
EHA Explosion hazard analysis.
ESD Emergency shutdown.
FEHM Fire and explosion hazard management program or process.
FHA Fire hazard analysis.
FPSO Floating production, storage, and offloading facility.
GRP Glass reinforced plastic.
HP High pressure.
HSSE&O Health, safety, security, environmental, and operational.
ISD Inherently safer design.
LP Liquid petroleum.
NGL Natural gas liquid.
NPSHA Net positive suction head available.
SCDM Safety critical design measures.
SOLAS Safety of life at sea.
SPU Strategic performance unit.
TR Temporary refuge.
5. Requirements for active fire protection
5.1. Roles in fire hazard management

a. Active fire protection systems are considered SCDMs. SCDMs have clearly defined roles
as designated by FEHM and the categorisation of hazards. The overall aim for the fire
protection in each hazard category is:
1. Controllable hazards: To suppress the hazard effects, protect personnel in the muster
area, and prevent the controllable event from escalating to an evacuation or
catastrophic event.
2. Evacuation hazards: To protect muster and evacuation areas and prevent catastrophic
escalation until controlled evacuation has been completed.
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3. Catastrophic hazards: To prevent the occurrence of catastrophic events through fire

exposure.
b. The roles in a. are in relation to specific hazards and their quantified effects. Systems are
intended to:
1. Extinguish fire.
2. Suppress fire.
3. Prevent ignition.
4. Prevent or delay structural failure, escalation, or the loss of safety systems.
5. Shield muster points, escape, and evacuation routes.
5.2. System performance specifications
5.2.1. General
Performance specifications shall be stated in terms of functionality, reliability, and survivability
in accordance with 5.2.2 through 5.2.4.
5.2.2. Functionality
a. Active fire suppression systems shall function to counteract hazards characterised in the
FEHM.
b. Active fire protection system coverage should be sufficient for the size of the event. The
extent of active fire protection coverage accounts for variations of coverage due to wind
strength and direction.
c. External flaming from confined modules and radiation and smoke effects from large fires
should be considered.
d. The functional performance standard should be achievable throughout the life of the
facility. This may require design contingencies to address performance deterioration of the
system over time or to minimise the impact of equipment downtime.
5.2.3. Reliability
a. The FEHM process determines the minimum required probability that a system, including
its supporting infrastructure (e.g., power supplies or control systems), will fulfil its role as
defined by the functional performance standard.
b. Reliability should consider system availability, given delivery system (e.g., pump and
mains), and potential effects from environmental conditions, including the effects of
temperature, wind, and the saline atmosphere.
c. Reliability should be verified by regular testing of components or the complete system.
d. Reliability targets should ideally be achieved by design allowances and the quality of
equipment selected rather than use of redundant systems. While this may not be applicable
to pumps and delivery systems, it should be applied to active systems (e.g., deluge piping
and nozzles and sprinkler systems).
5.2.4. Survivability
a. Fire protection systems shall be designed to remain operable during identified fire
conditions as described in the FEHM. Methods to achieve this include location, shielding,
protection, and rapid operation of the system itself.
b. Systems shall be designed to remain operable following explosions as described in the
FEHM plan. Methods to achieve this include location, shielding, and strengthening of
equipment.
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5.3. System inspection, maintenance, and repair

a. System design should minimise the amount of system downtime required for inspection
and maintenance.
b. Systems should be maintained for the life of the facility.
c. Systems should have access and equipment to measure the performance specifications,
either by component testing or full function test.
d. The impact of full function testing on system reliability (e.g., by potential nozzle blockage)
and its potential adverse effects on the plant (e.g., by water ingress or corrosion) should be
assessed.
5.4. Adverse effects

a. Designs should take into account potential adverse effects on and by the system.
b. Adverse effects on the system may include:
1. Mechanical damage during normal operations (e.g., dropped objects).
2. Corrosion and biological growth within the system piping, causing nozzle blockage.
c. Adverse effects by the system on the facility or plant may include:
1. Damage to the plant due to discharge of firewater or other agents.
2. Corrosion as a result of water deluge, including corrosion under insulation.
6. Role of fire teams
a. Fire teams shall not be used as the primary means of firefighting to control process, well,
or riser area hazardous events.
b. The size, capability, and role of the fire team on the facility should be assessed or agreed
with the operator on a new project before placing reliance on the team. Suitable and
sufficient portable equipment shall be provided to fulfil the identified roles.
7. Firewater infrastructure
7.1. General
The main design principles for the infrastructure should be simplicity, robustness, and suitable
layout (e.g., to avoid exposure to damaging fires or explosions).
7.2. Firewater demand and system capacity

a. The firewater system shall be capable of meeting the following demands:
1. Individual demands at nominated points (nodes) on the distribution system. These
points identify the minimum flow and pressure needed to supply each major item of
firefighting equipment (e.g., deluge systems, helideck foam systems, and monitors).
2. Scenario demands. These are the combined demands of all systems that could
realistically be actuated during major fire scenarios.
b. A hydraulic analysis shall be performed to determine the flow and pressure demands at
each of the pump outlets for each of the nominated pump combinations. This analysis
gives the specific performance requirement of each pump for each scenario. Software used
for hydraulic analysis shall be subject to approval by the EA.
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25 March 2009 GP 24-23
c. If the main deluge supply has the potential to be severely damaged due to explosion
scenarios, hydraulic modelling shall be undertaken, considering sections that are isolated to
simulate pipe ruptures.
d. Hydraulic modelling of the firewater systems shall be performed assuming a friction factor
relevant to the type of piping material and taking into account deterioration in the surface
during the working life of the facility. Sensitivity analysis should be performed to ensure
that the system (equipment, driver capacity, etc.) can operate under early life, low friction
factor conditions, as well.
e. Firewater systems demands shall also take into account any other water requirements, such
as pump cooling and foam making.
f. Design shall ensure that firewater supply is available for the duration of fire scenarios
considered in the FEHM.
7.3. Response time

a. Response time of the firewater infrastructure shall be sufficient to ensure that the
individual system response times defined in SCDM performance standards are achieved.
b. For systems with diesel engine driven firewater pumps, realistic response times should be
set to allow a less onerous start.
c. To meet the requirement of immediate water supply (e.g., for rapid response to helideck
events), the firewater pump system may include one electric fire pump that receives its
electrical supply from the main generator switchgear panel.
7.4. Fire pumps
7.4.1. General
a. Fire pumps shall have at least 12 hr fuel capacity at full load.
b. Fire pumps should comply with the intent (type, design, and installation) of industry fire
pump codes and BP practice.
c. Fire pump capacity shall be provided to comply with the performance standard determined
through the FEHM.
d. Selection of fire pumps should take into consideration facility type, layout, available space,
and the size of standard pump units that are readily available. This includes the pumps,
gearboxes, and diesel engines.
e. Main cooling water/sea water lift pumps that are regarded as spare firewater pumps shall
be designed to comply with all the performance criteria of the primary firewater pumps,
including power supply availability. If firewater demand reduces the amount of cooling
water available, the impact of loss of the pumps on the safe shutdown of the process should
be investigated.
f. Fire pumps shall provide indication of their unavailability (e.g., bypass and loss of power)
to a constantly attended location.
7.4.2. Reliability
a. The reliability of each fire pump should be at least 95%.
b. If repeated starts at full throttle are required, testing requirements should consider potential
adverse effects upon the reliability of diesel engines.
c. Fire pump configuration may use an electric pump powered from the main generation as
an alternative arrangement for the primary pump.
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d. If the main generation is considered vulnerable to a major fire or explosion, a backup

diesel alternator should be provided.
7.4.3. Availability
a. The project team and future operator of the facility should agree the target availability for
the pumps. The default value for each fire pump is 95% (i.e., a maximum allowance of
18 d/yr when the pump may be taken offline for repair). During this time, the spare pump
shall be available to provide coverage.
b. The 5% unavailable time should include waiting periods for spare parts supply and pump
repair following tests that show the fire pump fails to meet the minimum functional
performance standards. If the pump is not duplicated for controllable events, a higher
availability may be required.
c. Critical spare parts required to maintain availability shall be identified. These spare parts
should be warehoused and readily available.
d. In cases for which there are particularly hazardous activities that could lead to events
requiring full water capacity, specific availability requirements may be set for those
operations.
7.4.4. Logic
a. Fire pumps should be designated as primary, first standby, second standby, etc. This status
should be selected at the control room.
b. The primary fire pump shall start automatically as follows:
1. On a low pressure signal from the deluge or ring main header.
2. On signal from the fire and gas panel in accordance with the cause and effects (safe)
charts.
3. On a demand signal from the helideck foam or deluge systems.
c. Fire pumps shall also have start buttons at the central control room and in the alternate
command centre, if provided.
d. Standby pumps shall start sequentially on the low pressure alarm, if either the duty pump
fails to start, or the demand exceeds its capacity as indicated by low main header pressure.
e. Fire pumps shall have a manual stop located at the pumps.
f. If one or more fire pumps are located below decks and/or some distance from the control
room, a manual stop facility in the control room should be considered.
7.4.5. Pump
a. Fire pumps shall not be hydraulically driven.
b. The pump specification should include a design safety factor of at least 1 bar (15 psig)
additional pressure for the lowest flow, highest pressure demand, and 10% additional flow
for the largest controllable hazard scenarios. Pumps shall also have a 25% capacity in
excess of this maximum demand at 80% of the pressure.
c. The pump performance curve shall be selected to match the flow and pressure needed for
each of the major fire scenarios identified. Scenarios of high pressure/low flow incidents,
such as helideck fires, and of high flow/low pressure incidents, such as process fires using
deluge systems, shall be considered.
d. Pump intakes shall be protected (e.g., screened) to prevent the ingress of marine debris.
e. Pump inlet design should take into account minimisation of prerotation and swirl at the
pump inlet.
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f. NPSHA shall be determined for the minimum tidal condition. This corresponds to the
maximum water temperature in combination with the following, as appropriate:
1. Lowest astronomical tide.
2. Maximum drawdown in stilling tubes.
3. If the minimum trough exceeds 10% of the NPSHA under continuous conditions as
determined in 1. and 2., allowance should be made for wave effect.
4. If determining NPSHA, 50% of the screens or strainers should be assumed to be
blocked.
5. A 10% margin should be provided on the calculated NPSHA to cover inaccuracies in
estimates of the suction conditions.
7.4.6. Minimum flow, pressure, and surge control

a. Fire pump discharge line shall have a pressure controlled dump valve and overboard line
for testing purposes. This valve shall be suitable for maximum turndown conditions and
not just the minimum pressure drop in the open position.
b. Pumps shall have a minimum flow line. Minimum flow shall be achievable if the pump
performance has dropped to its minimum functional standard.
c. Overboard dump line shall have a flow element capable of measuring the rated pump
capacity for monitoring pump performance. Pump testing should be capable of examining
the full flow and pressure range of the pump from the highest pressure lowest flow demand
up to the maximum flow rate, including contingencies.
7.4.7. Fire pump drivers

a. The pump power, fuel supplies, and other utilities shall be designed such that all installed
pumps can be run simultaneously.
b. Fuel supplies shall be independent but may be replenished from a common source if the
fuel quality in the tanks is checked on a regular basis.
c. Electric motors or diesel engines shall be used.
d. The selected driver types and support systems shall not be subject to a common mode
failure between pumps, thereby ensuring that an incident or fault affecting one pump does
not affect another.
e. Combination of electric motors and diesel engines shall be subject to the following:
1. Main generation, if used as a power source for electric pumps, shall change over to
diesel fuel automatically on confirmed fire and gas detection.
2. Main generation shall be located such that it is not exposed to direct effects of
incidents indicated in the FHA or EHA.
3. There shall be a standby diesel pump capable of providing output of the pump(s)
powered by main generation.
f. Diesel engines shall not exceed the continuous duty for the engine.
g. Turbocharger protection devices shall be set to prevent overspeed.
7.4.8. Fire pump controls

a. Fire pumps shall be started in a manner consistent with their performance standards and
scenarios considered in the FEHM.
b. Fire pumps may have automatic start from the fire and gas detection system or manual start
from the control room or the local pump control panel.
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c. Local pump control panels shall be located adjacent to the pump driver and shall not be
located on a blast wall.
d. Firewater pressure adjacent to the pump discharge manifold should be indicated locally
and repeated in the control room.
e. Diesel fire pumps should have battery start systems and an alternative means of starting,
either pneumatic or hydraulic.
7.4.9. Fire pump location and protection

a. Fire pumps and drivers shall be located such that they are not exposed to the effects of
incidents, including:
1. Direct exposure to heat or flames.
2. Direct exposure to explosion overpressures.
3. Exposure of the combustion air inlets to flammable gas concentrations that could
cause overspeed.
4. Exposure of the combustion air inlets to products of combustion (smoke levels and air
temperatures) that could significantly reduce engine performance.
b. If locating the pumps and drivers to avoid exposure is not practical, the pumps shall be
protected against exposure effects.
c. Diesel engine drivers for fire pumps in the same location as any other fire pumps should be
enclosed to prevent a fire from one affecting the others.
d. Power cables to electric pumps shall be protected from fire and explosion. Fire protection
insulation could reduce the capacity of the cable, making larger sizes necessary.
e. Motors, engines, and control systems shall be suitable for use in flammable atmospheres in
which the gas dispersion analysis shows that hazardous gas concentrations could reach
them. In these cases, diesel engines should also have overspeed protection and exhaust
spark arrestors.
7.5. Firewater system
7.5.1. General
a. Firewater systems should be constructed of cupro nickel, super duplex stainless steel, or
titanium. GRP, fibreglass, or other alternatives may be acceptable, subject to SPU EA
approval.
b. Design pressure of the system and its components shall be equal to or greater than the shut
in pressure of the fire pumps, plus any allowances to be made for differences in elevation
between the fire pump discharge and the lowest point, thus eliminating the need for
overpressure protection within the firewater system.
c. Potential for water hammer during startup and pressurisation of the system should be
analysed.
d. Causes of surge in the system shall be identified, studied, and minimised by engineering
design.
e. The firewater system shall be protected from freezing as required by environmental
conditions. A ring main supply system should be protected by maintaining a minimum
circulation in the system, but dead legs in which continuous flow is not possible should be
insulated and heat tracing installed as necessary to prevent freezing.
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f. If there is a reasonable prospect for modification or expansion post startup, provision

should be made for future connections as reasonably practical to minimise firewater
system outage.
7.5.2. Firewater supply system

a. Firewater supply system shall have capacity to deliver the maximum predicted firewater
demand to provide water to any fire zone or combination of fire zones as identified by the
firewater systems calculations.
b. Output from all fire pumps should normally be combined through a common pipe manifold
system which has suitable controls to ensure that water can be supplied to distribution
systems on demand. Duplicate supply pipe systems and control valves shall be provided if
there is a risk of one supply route being unavailable due to potentially extended
maintenance or accident damage.
c. The fire supply system shall be kept water filled and pressurised by jockey pump or
connection to another system, such as cooling water. The capacity of this pressurising
facility should allow one hydrant to be operated without causing loss of pressure sufficient
to initiate fire pump start.
d. Any connection from another water system to supply the firewater system shall have
sufficient protection at the interface to prevent backflow of water when a fire pump starts.
e. Firewater system shall not be connected to system supplying potable water.
f. Supply system design should use one of the following strategies:
1. Ring main system
a) Ring main system provides a main pipe loop fed from the common supply
system manifold, often extending into the hazardous areas.
b) Ring main system should be capable of supplying the maximum predicted
firewater demand through either direction around the loop to deluge valves,
monitors, hydrants, and any other services connected to the firewater system.
2. Pressurised header system
a) Pressurised header system connects distribution systems with deluge valves
located in a nonhazardous area.
b) Dry pipe headers connect the outlet of the deluge valves with the pipe arrays and
nozzles of the deluge systems.
c) Provision of one or more small capacity ring main systems to supply monitors,
hydrants, and any other services connected to the firewater system may also be
required.
d) A pressurised header system should be used only if it is possible to install it in
an area protected from fire and explosion hazards.
g. Ring main system piping or main dry pipe headers from the deluge valve to the deluge
pipe arrays and nozzles should, as far as is practical, be routed to avoid the effects of
potential fire and explosion. If this is not possible, it should be routed to use the shielding
from such accident effects afforded by structural members or decks.
h. Isolation valves that can be operated from the control room shall be provided at suitable
locations in the supply system to maintain supply of firewater in the event of sections of
the supply system being damaged or unavailable.
i. Butterfly valves should not be used as isolation valves in firewater systems.
Page 15 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
8. Fixed firewater systems
8.1. Deluge systems, including water curtains
8.1.1. General
a. Design considerations and performance standards are described in 8.1.2 through 8.1.11.
b. Deluge valve and actuation points shall be located outside the fire zone to be protected by
the deluge system concerned. They should be located in a nonhazardous location at a main
egress point to facilitate activation.
c. The extremities of the firewater distribution system shall have flushing points.
d. The deluge system should be designed to withstand blast overpressure or fire from
controllable events. Pipe supports should be passively fire protected to achieve this, if
necessary.
e. The detailed design of deluge systems should be based on standard industry practice.
f. Deluge headers should be of the minimum practical length and located in a safe area.
g. Deluge systems should be limited to 12 000 l/min (3 170 gpm) and 200 mm (8 in) feed
piping size.
8.1.2. Reduction of the vaporisation of burning liquid pools

a. General area deluge application onto the liquid surface may be used to reduce the
vaporisation rate of pool fires and therefore reduce the size of the fire and potential for
escalation as identified in the FEHM.
b. Application rate shall be as follows:
Type Application rate
2 2
Pool fires in confined or roofed areas 12 l/min/m 0,3 gpm/ft
2 2
Oil pool fires in open exposed areas 20 l/min/m 0,5 gpm/ft
c. Application velocity shall be as follows:

Type Application
Pool fires in confined or roofed areas Medium velocity
Oil pool fires in open exposed areas High velocity
8.1.3. Control of liquid pool fires by deluge with firefighting foam

a. Deluge systems required for liquid fire hazards should include a means for adding
firefighting foam suitable for the hazard. This provision should be for foam induction to be
initiated manually after process system depressurisation. The foam concentrate used should
be that required for helideck protection for the purposes of standardisation throughout the
facility.
b. Application rate shall be as follows:
Low pressure liquid fires in confined or roofed 12 l/min/m2 0,3 gpm/ft2
areas
High pressure liquid fires in roofed modules 24 l/min/m2 0,6 gpm/ft2
2 2
Liquid fires in open exposed areas 20 l/min/m 0,5 gpm/ft
c. Application velocity shall be as follows:

Type Application
Pool fires in confined or roofed areas Medium velocity
Oil pool fires in open exposed areas High velocity
Page 16 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
d. Foam addition shall be as follows:

1. Foam type - 3% AFFF.
2. Duration of foam induction - 10 min.
e. Foam coverage shall be as follows:
Type Coverage Dry areas shall not exceed
All 95% 8 m2 86 ft2
8.1.4. Suppression of combustion in roofed modules

a. High level general area deluge coverage may be used in roofed modules to prevent pool
fire escalation.
b. Application rates shall be as follows:
2 2
Low pressure liquid fires in confined or roofed 12 l/min/m 0,3 gpm/ft
areas
2 2
High pressure liquid fires in roofed modules 24 l/min/m 0,6 gpm/ft
c. Velocity shall be as follows:

Type Application
Low pressure liquid fires in roofed modules Medium velocity at standard operating pressure
High pressure liquid fires in roofed modules Medium velocity at high operating pressure
d. Coverage should be as follows:

All 95% 8 m2 86 ft2
8.1.5. Dilution of miscible fuels

a. For water miscible chemicals, such as methanol and triethylene glycol fires, dilution may
be used to extinguish the fire rather than the use of specialised alcohol foam.
b. For all miscible fuels:
1. Application rates shall be 10 l/min/m2 (0,25 gpm/ft2).
2. Application type shall be medium velocity or high velocity in exposed areas.
3. Coverage shall be 95% coverage and no dry areas greater than 8 m2 (86 ft2).
8.1.6. Exposure protection

a. Deluge may be used to provide mitigation of thermal radiation caused by oil or condensate
pool fires and low pressure liquid spray fires as indicated in the FEHM.
b. Deluge may provide some reduction in heat fluxes from sustained medium pressure spray
fires up to 30 barg (435 psig).
c. In open areas with pool fires and low pressure liquid spray fires, direct water spray
application to the vessels and plant should comply with industry practice.
d. The method of application and rates should depend upon liquid release pressure. If the
source is depressurised as part of the FEHM strategy, the pressure used should be the
pressure at the time of the plant failure plus 10 min.
e. In confined (roofed) areas with oil below 15 barg (220 psig) and condensate below 10 bar
(145 psig), general area coverage rather than direct application to the vessel should be
used.
Page 17 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
f. In confined (roofed) areas with prolonged high pressure liquid fires, high velocity direct
water spray application to the critical vessels should be used.
g. General area coverage of the well bay may be used. Specific dedicated deluge on
wellheads is typically not warranted.
h. Blowout preventers should be protected using high flow spray nozzles if they could be
exposed to fire for a significant period before they are actuated. This should not normally
be required, unless the facility layout is such that well fluids may cascade around them or
process area fires could impinge upon them during critical well operations. If either of
these scenarios could arise, protection should be provided using at least two large flow
fixed nozzles each with a minimum flow rate of 450 l/min (120 gpm).
i. Application rate shall be as follows:
2 2
Pool and low pressure liquid fires 10 l/min/m 0,25 gpm/ft
2 2
High pressure liquid fires 20 l/min/m 0,5 gpm/ft
Blowout preventer 900 l/min min 240 gpm min
j. Method of application shall comply with the following:

Type Application
Open spaces
Vessels: pool and low pressure fires Medium velocity direct application
Vessels: pool and low pressure fires in high winds High velocity direct application
Vessels: medium and high pressure liquid fires High velocity direct application
Plant: pool and low pressure fires Medium velocity general area coverage
Plant: pool and low pressure fires in high winds High velocity general area coverage
Plant: medium and high pressure liquid fires High velocity general area coverage
Confined (roofed) modules
Vessels and plant: pool and low pressure fires Medium velocity general area coverage
Vessels: medium and high pressure fires High velocity direct application in addition to
general area coverage
Low pressure liquid fires in roofed modules Medium velocity at standard operating pressure
Plant: medium and high pressure fires Medium velocity general area coverage
k. Quality of coverage shall be as follows:

Vessels 95% 2 m2 22 ft2
2 2
Plant 95% 4m 43 ft
8.1.7. Control of spread of smoke and flame
8.1.8. Performance standards for deluge system

The target response time of automatically operated deluge systems shall be defined to reduce the
risk of deluge piping failure under fire conditions. Typically the response times should be:
a. Pool and LP fires in open areas: 120 s.
b. Pool and LP fires in roofed areas: 90 s.
c. HP fires in roofed areas: 60 s.
8.1.9. Piping and nozzle design

a. Sizes of nozzles and associated pipework should be selected to avoid blockage caused by
corrosion products or buildup of salt deposits or marine growth after operation or testing.
Dry systems should be self draining.
Page 18 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
b. Design performance standards should allow for some blockage of nozzles and piping over
time by basing the required coverage to be achieved with up to 10% of nozzles blocked.
8.1.10. Valve and control systems

a. The following arrangements shall be the minimum requirements to provide a valve and
control system (enhancements to this basic provision, such as bypasses, pressure control,
and double feed, should only be provided if higher system reliability or water management
is required):
1. A deluge valve set includes inlet isolation, deluge valve, outlet isolation, and test
valve. The test valve shall not need to provide a full flow test.
2. Deluge valves are of proven reliability in seawater service. Elastomeric sleeve valves
shall be used.
3. Deluge valves are actuated by an electrical signal from the fire and gas panel. They
shall also be operated by signals from the control room or from manual stations at
exits from the protected areas.
b. Valves should be located to allow safe access during a fire incident, if possible. The deluge
valve shall not require a power supply for local manual operation.
c. Fire pumps should start automatically if a water spray system is actuated. Primary pump
start should not depend solely on detection of low fire main pressure but should be on a
direct signal from the fire and gas panel.
d. Deluge water flow should also be sensed by a pressure transmitter downstream of all
valves on the deluge valve set.
8.1.11. Deluge drainage

a. Provision shall be made for the volume of hydrocarbon liquid release, calculated by
FEHM, plus the volume of the deluge water to be to be restrained from spreading across
solid decks and to be drained to a safe location. This volume shall be in addition to spill
containment systems.
b. Oil and deluge water drained from decks shall be handled in a manner such that it is
unlikely to reignite or cause further hazardous effects upon the facility (e.g., either be
contained in a caisson or channelled through flooded pipes to the sea).
c. Minimum flow rate of the drainage system in a protected area shall be 115% of the
maximum deluge flow rate for that area, together with an allowance for portable
equipment and fixed monitors, plus the maximum hydrocarbon release rate from the
controllable events.
8.2. Fixed monitors
8.2.1. General
a. Monitors should be included as indicated by the FEHM.
b. Monitors should not be used as the sole means of protection of process or wellbay
equipment, unless the monitors can be operated safely and effectively in the identified fire
conditions.
c. If required by class rules or local regulations, foam monitors should be used for the
protection of open top decks or storage tanks on FPSOs.
8.2.2. Fixed firewater monitors

a. Equipment and areas to be covered shall be those described in the FEHM.
b. The following factors should be considered if locating fixed firewater monitors:
Page 19 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
1. Visibility and physical obstructions.

2. Local wind conditions (e.g., strength and prevailing direction).
3. Access and radiation from the fire.
4. Safe escape routes for operators.
5. Monitor range.
6. Quantity of water required to provide effective protection.
7. Use of available firewater capacity.
c. Monitor capacity may be increased such that the full capacity of the fire pumps can be
used for major incidents, such as blowouts.
d. Minimum internal diameter of monitors should be 75 mm (3 in).
e. Monitors shall have gear operated valves to avoid rapid water shutoff and water hammer.
f. Oscillating monitors:
1. May be used to protect egress routes.
2. Shall use water power to drive the oscillation. Pelton or equivalent wheel drives
should be used. Piston drives shall not be used.
g. If access may be impaired by heat or smoke, remote initiation of the water supply may be
provided. The preferred method is to locate a manual valve in a safe location where the
valve operator can observe monitor performance. If this is not practical, a pneumatically
operated actuator and remote operating station should be provided that is capable of both
opening and closing the valve.
h. The range should be achievable in 90% of operating wind conditions using a variable angle
spray jet nozzle set to straight jet. As a default, 35 m (115 ft) should be the range of
proprietary monitors with flow rates of 2 700 l/min (715 gpm) and above.
i. The minimum range of elevation and traverse should be specified. As default, these are
+60 degrees to -15 degrees elevation and full 360 degrees traverse. The preset ranges of
traverse for oscillating monitors should be determined by assessment.
j. Flowrate
1. Minimum flowrate of monitors should be 1 900 l/min (500 gpm) at 7 barg (100 psig).
2. Total flowrate of all monitors that can be used effectively should be sufficient to
provide effective protection.
3. Discharge rate from the monitors should be double that provided by dedicated deluge
systems to fulfil the same role.
k. For fixed monitors used to shield evacuation, spray nozzles shall open at least 120 degrees
and shall have some breakup of the spray pattern to create droplets where radiation
reduction is required.
l. Fixed monitors should be accessible for manual control under fire conditions, dedicated to
one target, or have an oscillating spray pattern. Manual control handwheels or levers
should be of such design that they can easily be activated under fire conditions and should
be fixed permanently to the monitor.
8.3. Fixed foam systems

a. Foam systems should be provided only if there is a realistic possibility that the fires will be
extinguished.
Page 20 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
b. If the FEHM specifically identifies a need, fixed foam system or the addition of foam
concentrate to deluge systems should be considered.
8.4. Foam addition to deluge systems
8.4.1. General
a. Foam addition to deluge system foaming should be manually initiated after allowing the
plant or facility to depressurise and stable combustion to be established.
b. Foam may be added by either inductors or pumped arrangements.
c. Foam concentrate used should be 3% foam. If polar solvents are involved (e.g., methanol),
foam shall be alcohol resistant.
d. The induction rate of foam concentrate shall be verified during commissioning to ensure
that the correct rate is achieved.
e. If the unavailability of foam could lead to critical reduction in fire hazard management
capability, foam pumps should be duplicated.
f. Foam system selection pushbuttons and foam pump start/stop pushbuttons should be on the
fire and gas control panel in the control room.
8.4.2. Foam extinguishing systems

a. Small dedicated foam systems should be provided to protect nonprocess hydrocarbon risks,
such as diesel engines, chemical storage, fuel transfer pumps, or as indicated by the
FEHM.
b. Systems should use 3% AFFF foam. If polar solvents are involved (e.g., methanol), foam
shall be alcohol resistant.
c. The application rates, design, and duration shall comply with recognised codes or
standards.
d. Systems should be manually operated from a safe location.
8.4.3. Helideck foam systems

a. Fixed helideck foam firefighting systems should be installed on permanently manned
facilities and nonresident production and drilling facilities that are visited on a frequent
basis and deemed normally attended.
b. Normally unattended facilities should not require a fixed helideck foam system.
c. If the facilities have a fire suppressing helideck, foam firefighting systems shall not be
required.
d. Facilities that do not have fixed helideck systems should have wheeled dry powder
extinguishers.
e. Systems should use 3% AFFF foam.
f. Fixed helideck foam systems shall comply with local requirements or the equivalent air
transport regulations for the country of operation.
g. In general, fixed oscillating monitors with nonaspirating spray jet nozzles should be used.
They should also have manual foam stations with aspirating branch pipes and water hose
reels.
h. Foam systems shall not be self elevating or “pop up” type.
i. Performance standards for fixed helideck foam systems shall be as follows:
1. Application rate of foam solution: 5,5 l/min/m2 (0,14 gpm/ft2).
Page 21 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
2. Coverage: The full helideck reference area is covered by one monitor if two monitors
are provided (the minimum) and two monitors if three monitors are provided.
3. Foam concentrate: 3% foam concentrate is used.
4. Induction rate: Foam concentrate metering is from 2,7% to 3,5%.
5. Duration: Foam concentrate suppliers for each monitor are provided for a duration of
10 min at an induction rate of 3,5%.
6. Aspirated foam quality: There is not a performance standard for aspirated foam
quality, as the foam is applied through nonaspirating nozzles.
7. Nozzle type and characteristics: Nozzles have an adjustable angle from straight jet to
90 degrees. Nozzles should be suitable for the application of nonaspirated foam
solution.
8. Range: The monitors, in combination, are capable of applying foam at the designated
quantities over the whole area of the helideck during all weather conditions in which
normal helicopters are allowed to land.
9. Helideck should have at least two firewater monitors, supplied from the firewater ring
main header and equipped with dedicated self inducing foam nozzles. Three monitors
should be provided for helidecks with diameter greater than 22 m (72 ft) as follows:
10. Monitors should be positioned away from the lowest point of the slope on the
helideck, since pool fires flow in that direction.
11. Oscillating monitors should be used only if there are insufficient personnel to man all
the monitors during every landing.
12. The water supply to all monitors shall be remotely operable from any of the monitors,
as well as the helicopter landing office if it overlooks the helideck.
13. Oscillating monitors should not be located directly beside escape routes, as they could
impede escape. Oscillating monitors should be powered by integral firewater driven
turbines over an adjustable arc from 40 degrees to 115 degrees at up to 8 cycles/min.
Monitor elevation may be set manually from +60 degrees to -20 degrees from
horizontal. Oscillating monitors should have a simple disengagement mechanism of
the oscillation to allow manual override and to reinstate automatic action.
14. Each monitor operating position should have separate access that does not require the
operator to cross the helideck. There should be a location where the operator can
shelter below the helideck level during takeoff and landing. Each monitor should be
able to discharge a minimum of 1 800 l/min (475 gpm) of foam solution at 7 barg
(100 psig) with a still air range of 35 m (115 ft).
15. Monitors should have a minimum internal diameter of 75 mm (3 in) and have double
ball race swivel joints for traverse and elevation.
16. Oscillating monitor nozzles should have spring indents or locks to set the spray angle
to 10 degrees to prevent injury to personnel escaping from the helicopter.
17. Foam induction should be via a self inducing nozzle fitted with an armoured stainless
steel suction hose leading to a dedicated storage tank. The hoses shall be top entry
into the nozzles to prevent water backflow into the tank.
18. Tanks should be stainless steel or glass fibre, fitted with vacuum breakers and
arrangements for the prevention of rain water ingress.
19. Helideck drains should be capable of taking the combined flow of all the monitors
operating simultaneously.
20. Other helideck equipment
Page 22 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
a) Manned and not routinely occupied platforms shall have two manual foam
stations in different locations around the helideck. Each station shall have
aspirated foam branchpipes of 450 l/min (120 gpm) capacity that have sufficient
foam concentrate for 20 min. If both stations use the same concentrate storage
tanks as the monitors, they should have additional capacity for these
requirements. The branchpipes should provide high quality foam aspiration with
a minimum 25% drainage time of 2 min.
b) Manned and not routinely occupied helidecks shall have a solid hose reel
capable of delivering 100 l/min (25 gpm) for extinguishing cabin fires.
c) At least two wheeled 50 kg (110 lb) BC dry powder extinguishers shall be
provided for each helideck. Alternatively, one of these two extinguishers may be
a CO2 fire extinguisher with extended reach to reach into the engine
compartment.
8.5. Hydrants and manual firefighting equipment

a. The layout of hydrants and firefighting equipment shall be sufficient to fulfil the role for
the fire teams as developed in the FEHM.
b. Multiple hydrants should be at safe approaches to process and wellbay areas, allowing a
planned fire response with a combination of branch pipes and monitors to be used from
secure positions.
c. Normally accessed areas should have fire hose coverage. Pressure at the nozzle should be
3,4 barg (50 psig).
d. Each hydrant station should have sufficient outlets to allow effective fire team response. In
process and wellbay areas, each station should have at least four outlets.
e. Hydrant outlets shall be compatible with the national design code applicable to the country
of operation.
f. If the normal firewater system operating pressure exceeds 7 barg (100 psig), hydrant
outlets shall have manual pressure control equipment.
8.6. Sprinkler systems
8.6.1. General
a. Sprinkler systems should be provided as indicated by the FEHM.
b. If provided, the sprinkler system design should comply with a recognised code or standard.
8.6.2. Accommodation areas
8.6.2.1. General
a. Accommodation areas should be designed to comply with requirements of industry and
BP.
b. Accommodations shall have effective smoke detection in all cabins and alarms that are
audible in all areas. The finishes, fixings, fittings, and furniture should have a low
flammability and surface spread of flame.
8.6.2.2. Sprinkler systems

a. The requirement for sprinkler systems in accommodations should be based on FEHM and
local regulations.
b. Accommodation systems should be charged with fresh water.
c. Backup supplies for accommodation systems should be available from the firewater main.
Page 23 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
d. Accommodation system pipework should be normally charged from a pressurised water

tank sized to provide water simultaneously to two sprinkler heads at the maximum pressure
drop for a period of 10 min.
e. When the contents of the service water tank feeding an accommodation system are
exhausted, the control system should automatically change over to water supplied from the
firewater ring main.
f. Sprinkler heads
1. Sprinkler heads should normally be of the upright frangible bulb type, ordinary
temperature rated sprinklers that operate from 57°C (135°F) to 68°C (155°F).
2. In areas where high ceiling temperatures are expected to occur, sprinkler heads should
be rated at least 30°C (54°F) above the highest ambient temperature anticipated.
g. In the accommodation, each run of pipework should have a means for flushing out the
piping prior to refilling with fresh service water.
h. For wet pipe sprinkler systems, the following shall apply:
1. Piping materials should be copper nickel or stainless steel.
2. Water flow to the sprinkler system should be controlled by means of a sprinkler
control valve. This valve should also act as a check valve preventing backflow from
the system into the firewater main. An isolating valve should be provided adjacent to
the sprinkler valve, with drain and test valves immediately downstream of the
sprinkler control valve.
3. If a single system protects more than one fire zone, an isolation valve should be
provided for each zone. Flow switches are unreliable and may be deleted if there is
separate fire detection in each area. Test connections should be provided at the remote
end of each zone, including a normally closed valve and restriction orifice, sized to
simulate the operation of one sprinkler head. These may be located in the washrooms
or shower cubicles to assist testing.
4. If the frangible bulb on a sprinkler branch is fractured, the flow of water through the
branch should cause the relevant flow switch and sprinkler valve limit switch to
operate and open the sprinkler valve.
5. In the event of sprinkler actuation, an alarm should be enunciated both visibly and
audibly at the main fire and gas panel and in the control room.
i. Fixed hose reels of 25 mm (NPS 1) internal diameter should be provided on all levels of
the accommodation in manned facilities and be capable of reaching any location within the
accommodation. They should have a spray/jet nozzle.
9. Specialty extinguishing systems
9.1. General
a. Specialty fixed systems should be provided as indicated in the FEHM.
b. Gas turbines and diesel engines over 750 kW (710 hp) should have fixed extinguishing
systems.
c. Fixed extinguishing systems are not typically required in control rooms, telemetry rooms,
and instrument rooms, provided that they have installed cables, fixings, and fittings with
low flammability and surface spread of flame and the areas have smoke detection systems
together with a power isolation facility.
Page 24 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
9.2. Fine water mist

a. Fine water mist spray should be used for diesel engines in small enclosures up to 400 m3
(14 000 ft3). Foam systems may be used greater than this size.
b. Fine water mist spray should be used in enclosed areas up to 400 m3 (14 000 ft3). Larger
modules may require foam sprinkler systems.
9.3. Gaseous systems

a. Inert gaseous systems may be used on areas where water based systems may cause
damage.
b. Gaseous extinguishing systems using inert naturally occurring gases may be used but only
in areas where fine waterspray or foam systems are unsuitable. Suitable precautions shall
be taken to protect personnel working in these areas from asphyxiation.
c. Gaseous extinguishing systems that use manufactured chemicals shall not be used.
d. Design of a CO2 system shall be governed by a recognised industry standard and shall
include:
1. A design concentration of at least 34% by volume of CO2.
2. The minimum design concentration should be achieved in a maximum time of 1 min.
3. The quantity of CO2 required shall be based on a rate of application necessary to
completely cover the area or volume to be protected and the time that is necessary to
ensure complete extinction of the fuel. The minimum effective discharge time shall be
30 s.
4. In cases of combustible materials that sustain deep seated fires or equipment needing
a significant run down period, the minimum design concentration should be reached
in a maximum of 7 min, but the discharge flow should ensure that a concentration of
30% is achieved within 2 min.
5. Total flood systems shall have reserve cylinders of a number and capacity equal to
those of the main cylinders.
6. New facilities shall not use automatic total flooding CO2 systems in areas accessible
to personnel during normal operations due to asphyxiation risks. An example of areas
not normally accessible to personnel would be those where personnel cannot
physically obtain access while in operation or where ambient conditions within the
area prevent entry, such as turbine enclosures, but not the enclosure around the
electrical/control area of the turbine.
e. Halon gas systems shall not be used. If a protected space that already has a halon system is
being modified in a way that renders the halon system ineffective, such as increasing the
volume so much that the required concentration cannot be provided, the system shall be
replaced with one of the other fixed extinguishing systems.
f. If a firefighting agent is applied in concentrations that are toxic or may be asphyxiating,
adequate precautions shall be in place to protect the occupants of any enclosure. Systems
that have asphyxiating concentrations, such as CO2, shall have manual isolation valves in
the discharge manifolds. These valves shall have interlocks such that system activation is
locked out if the doors of the enclosure are opened for access.
g. Inert gas systems that do not deliver immediately asphyxiating concentrations should be
manually isolated if the areas are occupied. Time delays should prevent release until the
necessary evacuation time is exceeded. The discharge of a reserve bank of an inert gas
system may lower the oxygen concentration to an asphyxiating level. These reserve banks
shall have manual isolation.
h. Protected spaces shall have the following:
Page 25 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
1. Warning signs at all entrances.

2. Status indication lamps showing whether the system is manual, automatic, or has
discharged.
3. Audible alarms indicating an imminent discharge.
4. Visible alarms indicating an imminent discharge in high noise areas.
5. A time delay before discharge.
i. Consideration should be given to whether gaseous systems have the potential to
overpressure facility compartments that may affect the structural integrity of the bulkheads
or decks. In such cases, relief systems to safe areas should be provided.
9.4. Galley systems

a. Dry powder may be used to protect galley spaces, including the cooker hoods.
b. Use of dry powder shall normally be limited to portable and mobile equipment with a
maximum capacity of 250 kg (550 lb).
c. Other galley extinguishing systems may be considered, if they have adequate test
verification and certification.
10. Portable firefighting equipment
10.1. Hydrants
Sufficient firefighting equipment should be provided equal to the number of fire hydrant outlets,
including:
a. Lengths of lay flat hose to suit hydrant spacing.
b. One spray jet branch pipe.
10.2. Fire extinguishers

a. Fire extinguishers, including dry chemical and CO2, shall be provided as indicated by the
FEHM plan.
b. If located outside, extinguishers should be specified or protected to withstand the saline
and other environmental conditions.
c. Extinguishers should be located such that they are readily accessible. It shall not be
necessary to provide one in every space, but they may be grouped in clearly marked fire
points.
Page 26 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
Bibliography
BP
[1] GIS 24-071, Fine Water Mist Spray Systems.
[2] GIS 24-231, Water Deluge System Design - Offshore.
[3] GIS 34-305, Diesel Engines.
[4] GIS 24-233, Firewater Pumps and System Design.
[5] GP 04-10, Drainage Systems.
[6] GP 24-07, Fire Fighting Suppressants - Alternatives to Halon.
[7] GP 24-20, Fire and Explosion Hazard Management of Offshore Facilities.
[8] GP 24-21, Fire Hazard Analysis - Offshore.
[9] GP 24-24, Passive Fire Protection - Offshore.
[10] GP 30-85, Fire and Gas Detection.
[11] GP 34-00, Machinery.
[12] GP 36-10, Metallic Materials Selection.
[13] GP 42-10, Piping Systems (ASME B31.3).
[14] GP 48-50, Major Accident Risk (MAR) Process.
American Petroleum Institute (API)

[15] API 2300, Evaluation of Fire Fighting Foams As Fire Protection for Alcohol Containing Fuels.
[16] API RP 14G, Fire Prevention and Control on Fixed Open-type Offshore Production Platforms.
British Standards Institute (BSI)

[17] BS 5306-4, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - Part 4: Specification for
carbon dioxide systems.
[18] BS EN 1568, Fire extinguishing media.
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

[19] ICAO B CAP 168, International Civil Aviation Organisation CAP 168 AFFF type.
[20] ICAO CAP 437, Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas - Guidance on Standards.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

[21] ISO 7203-1, Fire extinguishing media - Foam concentrates - Part 1: Specification for low expansion
foam concentrates for top application to water-immiscible liquids.
Page 27 of 28
25 March 2009 GP 24-23
[22] ISO 13702, Petroleum and natural gas industries - Control and mitigation of fires and explosions on
offshore production installations - Requirements and guidelines.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

[23] NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam.
[24] NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
[25] NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
[26] NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.
[27] NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems.
[28] NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems.
[29] NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
Oil and Gas UK

[30] Fire and Explosion Guidance, Issue 1, May 2007, ISBN 1 903003 36 2.
Steel Construction Institute

[31] Fire and Blast Engineering for Topside Structures Phase 2, SCI-P-253, ISBN 1 85942 078 8.
United Kingdom Offshore Operations Association (UKOOA)

[32] UKOOA EHS03, Guidelines for Fire and Explosion Hazard Management UKOOA.
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Document No.

Active Fire Protection - Offshore

Copyright © 2009 BP International Ltd. All rights reserved.

3. Terms and definitions

Active fire protection

Fire and explosion hazard management (FEHM)

Helideck reference area

Natural gas liquids (NGLs)

Passive fire protection

Pool/spray transition pressure

Portable firefighting equipment

Probability of failure on demand

Radiant heat flux

Safety critical design measure (SCDM)

Temporary refuge (TR)

4. Symbols and abbreviations

AFFF Aqueous film forming foam.

EHA Explosion hazard analysis.

ESD Emergency shutdown.

FEHM Fire and explosion hazard management program or process.

FHA Fire hazard analysis.

FPSO Floating production, storage, and offloading facility.

GRP Glass reinforced plastic.

HSSE&O Health, safety, security, environmental, and operational.

ISD Inherently safer design.

NGL Natural gas liquid.

NPSHA Net positive suction head available.

SCDM Safety critical design measures.

SOLAS Safety of life at sea.

SPU Strategic performance unit.

5. Requirements for active fire protection

5.1. Roles in fire hazard management

3. Catastrophic hazards: To prevent the occurrence of catastrophic events through fire

5.2. System performance specifications

5.3. System inspection, maintenance, and repair

5.4. Adverse effects

6. Role of fire teams

7.2. Firewater demand and system capacity

7.3. Response time

7.4. Fire pumps

d. If the main generation is considered vulnerable to a major fire or explosion, a backup

7.4.6. Minimum flow, pressure, and surge control

7.4.7. Fire pump drivers

7.4.8. Fire pump controls

7.4.9. Fire pump location and protection

7.5. Firewater system

f. If there is a reasonable prospect for modification or expansion post startup, provision

7.5.2. Firewater supply system

8. Fixed firewater systems

8.1. Deluge systems, including water curtains

8.1.2. Reduction of the vaporisation of burning liquid pools

c. Application velocity shall be as follows:

8.1.3. Control of liquid pool fires by deluge with firefighting foam

c. Application velocity shall be as follows:

d. Foam addition shall be as follows:

8.1.4. Suppression of combustion in roofed modules

c. Velocity shall be as follows:

d. Coverage should be as follows:

8.1.5. Dilution of miscible fuels

8.1.6. Exposure protection

j. Method of application shall comply with the following:

k. Quality of coverage shall be as follows:

8.1.7. Control of spread of smoke and flame

8.1.8. Performance standards for deluge system