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MSHA Fire Suppression and Fire Protection Advisor

You have selected underground electrical equipment, compressors and pumps, compressors 5 HP and over, and primary escapeway with miners inby.

The Advisor indicates that this is allowed when used to maintain escapeway.75.380(f)(3)(ii)(A)

The minimum requirements are:

1. Continously attended.75.344(a)(1)
OR
Be enclosed in noncombustible structure or area and vented to return with sensors to monitor for heat and for CO or smoke. Thesensors shall deenergize power to the compressor, activate alarms and activate doors to enclose the area.75.344(a)(2)

2. Be equipped with a heat activated fire suppression system meeting requirements of 75.1107-3 thru 75.1107-16.75.344(b)

3. Compressor automatically shut off by fire suppression system.75.344(d)

4. Two 2A:10B:C portable fire extinguishers or one having at least twice the minimum capacity.75.344(c)

Additional text of the regulations and text in the Program Policy Manual not included in this Advisor may be relevant for compliance decisions. This answer may not address all particular situations which may occur at your mine. Please contact your local MSHA District Manager for more specific guidance.

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MSHA | MSHA Fire Suppression and Fire Protection Advisor
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR