Munitions and explosives are typically protected via separation. On military projects, storage areas such as these are either semi-subterranean (partially earthen covered bunker), or just physically separated from other structures by several hundred feet.
I do hope the components are adequately separated. Fire is usually not an issue in these spaces since there should be very stringent controls on ignition sources. So, we don't waste money on sprinklers or other types of suppression systems. They just aren't going to stop an explosion event. Once it's done, it's done. You can take a look at UFC 4-420-01, May 2015 for the way munitions and explosive storage is handled by the military. UFC = Unified Facilities Criteria. You can search for it on-line. There are no restrictions for access. You'd also have to deal with sprinkler run-off and being underground, that might be a big challenge. So, basically, this isn't a sprinkler contractor project. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Fire Protection SME - Special Hazards | craig.pr...@jacobs.com<mailto:craig.pr...@jacobs.com> | www.jacobs.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.jacobs.com/__;!!KZTdOCjhgt4hgw!-_khxU8gU0_6jc895I7kRbnU8JghRDsWgqOblZ4jr7Qp2IVbR30VYw_hWvNFtphnl0uWpB9KIvbYi1pvZz4$> 1041 East Butler Road Greenville, South Carolina 29606 CONTACT BY: Phone 1-864-676-5252, Email or MS TEAMS From: Chris Dorn <chris.d...@dornfireprotection.com> Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 4:05 PM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Sprinklerforum] Protecting underground storage of explosives. Trying to help a friend of a friend. Has anyone ever provided any type of fire suppression system for underground storage of ANFO (Ammoniun Nitrate and fuel oil mixture)? The area in question is in a limestone mine underground. The space is pretty large and has 30' ceilings so I'm guessing that chemical suppression is not going to be an option. I tend to believe that sprinklers may not be the route to go. Water will apparently render the ANFO inert but in case of a fire I'm not sure that the sprinklers could operate fast enough to provide any real protection. Additionally, the water supply is inadequate for almost any type of sprinkler system anyway. I'm not really finding much in NFPA except Annex C in NFPA 495 which refers to separation distances. I did find a reference to NFPA 490 2002 Edition but cannot find a current code so I'm guessing it was folded into 495 at some point. Any direction at all would be appreciated to help me in my research. Chris Dorn Dorn Fire Protection LLC ________________________________ NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
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