Exam Question
7.
1) Describe CO2 fixed firefighting system for machinery spaces and cargo spaces of a bulk carrier.(8)
I1) Explain safety precautions taken prior to release of CO2 to the engin room.(8)
ETO
ETO Exam papers
📅 Mar 2026
Reference Answer
### Part 1: Description of CO2 Fixed Firefighting System
A high-pressure fixed CO2 firefighting system is a total flooding system designed to extinguish fires in machinery spaces and cargo holds by displacing oxygen, thereby smothering the fire. It also has a secondary cooling effect. The system is designed and installed in accordance with the SOLAS Convention and the FSS (Fire Safety Systems) Code.
#### 1. Principle of Operation
- **Oxygen Displacement (Smothering)**: CO2 is a non-combustible, inert gas that is 1.5 times denser than air. When released into an enclosed space, it displaces the oxygen, reducing the concentration from the normal 21% to below 15%, which is insufficient to sustain combustion for most materials.
A high-pressure fixed CO2 firefighting system is a total flooding system designed to extinguish fires in machinery spaces and cargo holds by displacing oxygen, thereby smothering the fire. It also has a secondary cooling effect. The system is designed and installed in accordance with the SOLAS Convention and the FSS (Fire Safety Systems) Code.
#### 1. Principle of Operation
- **Oxygen Displacement (Smothering)**: CO2 is a non-combustible, inert gas that is 1.5 times denser than air. When released into an enclosed space, it displaces the oxygen, reducing the concentration from the normal 21% to below 15%, which is insufficient to sustain combustion for most materials.
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