Committee on

" Standard on fire fighting equipment for

Drilling rigs, Work over rigs
and Production installations".

SN . NAME ORGANISATION POSITION IN THE

COMMITTEE

1 Sh. P.S.Narayanan Oil India Limited Leader

2. Sh. Gulab Singh OISD Co-ordinator

3 Sh. Neeraj Sharma ONGC Member

4. Sh. V.S.Kumar ONGC Member

 FOREWORD

The purpose of this standard is to assist the oil industry in prevention of fire incidents.

It is recognised that the provision indicated in the standard cannot possibly cover all the problems
which may arise during the operation. However provision indicated in the standard will definitely help in
reducing the major fire hazards in oil industry. Employees available at site should always be kept alert to
unforeseen hazards and changing conditions will present new exposures, which must be met with
appropriate precautions. The standard will however, assist each individual worker to improve his work
methods and reduce accidents.

Suggestions are invited from the users after it is put into practice to improve the document further.
Suggestions for amendments to this document should be addressed to:

The Coordinator
Committee on" Standard on fire fighting equipment for Drilling rigs, Work over rigs and
Production installations".

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

7TH FLOOR, NEW DELHI HOUSE
27, BARAKHAMBA ROAD
NEW DELHI - 110 001.

The standard in no way supersedes the statutory requirements of bodies like DGMS, CCE or any
other Government Body which must be followed as applicable.
 NOTE

OISD publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas industry under
Ministry of Petroleum & Chemicals. These are the property of Ministry of
Petroleum & Chemicals and shall not be reproduced or copied and loaned or
exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.

Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and
reliability of the data contained in this documents. OISD hereby expressly
disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from their
use.

These documents are intended to supplement rather than replace their

prevailing statutory requirements.
 CONTENT

SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE NOS.

1. Introduction 1
2. Scope 1
3. Definitions 1
4. Fire protection philosophy 2
5. Fire fighting system -Drilling Rig 2
6. Fire fighting system - WOR 4
7. Fire fighting system- Production Installation 6
GGS/OCS
8. Fire fighting system- GCP/GCS 10
9. Fire fighting system- EPS 12
10. Fire fighting system- QPS/WHI 13
11. Material Specifications 14
12. Fire Alarm and communications 14
13. Fire safety organisation/Training 14
14. Fire emergency manual 15
15. Fire protection system inspection and testing 15
16. References 15
 FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES FOR DRILLING RIGS, WORKOVER RIGS, GROUP
GATHERING STATIONS/OIL COLLECTING STATIONS,
GAS COMPRESSOR PLANTS/GAS COMPRESSOR STATIONS,
EARLY PRODUCTION SET-UP AND QUICK PRODUCTION SET-UP/ WELL HEAD
INSTALLATION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the upstream petroleum industry
companies are engaged in exploration and
development of oilfields as well as production of
crude oil and gas. It has been observed that most
of the activities like drilling operation, setting up
of GGS/OCS, GCP/GCS etc. are carried out
initially at remote areas away from the thickly
populated locality. However, once the field is
established, it has been observed that the area gets
surrounded by population and small industries.
These causes hazards to the oilfield installations as
well as to surrounding residents.
For the protection of the costly
equipment and the safety of the surrounding areas,
it is important to install necessary in-built fire
protection arrangement in the installations. It
would be highly costly affair to build systems to
control oil well blowout fire or any catastrophic
fire situation at each drill site. Here in the
standard, necessary minimum fire protection
arrangements which are required to fight initial
fire in the oilfield installations, workover
rigs(WOR) and drilling rigs were included.
However, while making the system, due
consideration should be given to the availability of
nearby city as well as industrial fire services.
It may not be possible to
build/incorporate all these fire fighting systems in
the existing oilfield installations which are already
approved by the respective statutory authority long
back. However, it is desirable to incorporate
certain fire fighting system in these old
installations as and where practicable and
acceptable to the management.
2.0 SCOPE
2.1 This standard covers certain design
criteria and minimum requirement of fire
protection facilities at drilling rigs, workover rigs
and production installations (GGS/OCS,
GCP/GCS, EPS, QPS/WHI etc).
2.2 This standard does not cover fire
protection facilities of refineries, petroleum
depots, terminals or any other gas processing plant
for which OISD - STD - 116 should be referred to.
1
2.3 This standard does not cover plants
processing Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG) handling, storage or bottling areas.
The same are covered in OISD-STD-144,
116 OR 169 as the case may be.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 DRILLING RIG
Drilling Rig is a compact unit including
derrick structure,power generating unit for running
the draw-works, mud preparation unit and all other
necessary equipment for carrying out drilling
operation of the earth’s surface by mechanical
means to reach down to the oil bearing zones
below the ground for exploration and development
of oil and gas field.
3.2 WORKOVER RIG
Workover Rig is a compact mobile unit
along with some other external equipment for mud
preparation and power generation etc. The whole
unit is mainly required for oil/gas well servicing
by performing variety of remedial operation on an
oil/gas well as per the technical requirement with
the intention of restoring or increasing production.
3.3 GROUP GATHERING
STATION/OIL COLLECTING STATION
It is a production installation where
production from number of wells are collected
together for treating and separating oil, water &
gas for further despatch to central tank farm.
3.4 GAS COMPRESSION PLANT/GAS
COMPRESSOR STATION
It is an installation where gases are
collected from GGS/OCS and are compressed to
different pressures for transportation..
3.5 EARLY PRODUCTION SET UP
(EPS)
It is a production installation similar to
GGS or OCS in nature; however, very small in
capacity. This type of set up is generally installed
at a very early stage of development of any oilfield
area when the number of wells are limited and
their total production is also very less.
3.6 QUICK PRODUCTION SET UP
(QPS)/ Well Head Installation(WHI)
It is a production installation, generally
set up in case of extremely new oildfield area and
its capacity is further smaller compared to any
EPS.
4.0 FIRE PROTECTION
PHILOSOPHY
Activities involved in exploration and
production of crude oil are extremely risky and
may cause considerable financial burden for the
industry if any fire / exploration occurred in a
drilling or any other installation. Hence, emphasis
should be given to design minimum fire protection
facilities at various drilling and other production
installations, so that in case of fire, it can be
Extinguished at its incipient stage to minimise the
loss of life and property and also to prevent further
spread of fire.
4.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
All drilling and workover rigs are rigged-
up for short duration and activities are similar in
nature therefore basic fire protection facilities and
design criteria would be similar in nature.
However, for GGS/OCS, GCP/GCS, EPS
& QPS/WHI, fire protection facilities would
depend upon the size/capacity of the plant and its
layout. Layout of the plant shall be done in
accordance with the relevant OISD Standard
(Std.118 on Layouts). A good layout can
minimise fire risk hazard by providing adequate
fire fighting access, means of escape in case of
fire and also isolation/segregation of risks /
facilities, so that nearby facilities are not affected
during a fire incident. In this regard, safe distance
from various hazards to installations mentioned in
OMR-1984 may be referred.
The following fire protection facilities
shall be provided according to various categories
of installations and risks associated therein:
- Fire Water system
- Foam system
- First Aid fire fighting equipment
- Communication systems, etc.
2
4.2 Design criteria
Design criteria of any fire fighting system
would depend upon the type of installation
involved. Following shall be the basic design
criteria for a fire protection system.
I) In drilling and workover rigs, fire water
storage/fire protection system should be designed
to initiate the fire fighting operation before the
mobile fire tenders reach at site to provide back up
service for prolonged period.
II) In CTF/GGS/OCS and GCP/GCS fire
protection, facilities shall be designed to fight one
major fire within the installation.
III) In EPS, QPS and WHI minimum fire
protection facilities shall be designed to initiate
the fire fighting operation before the mobile fire
tenders reaches at site to provide back up service
for prolonged period.
IV) All the areas except QPS/WHI shall be
covered with hydrants and water monitors.
V) Foam system should be provided for
storage tank (fixed/floating roof)
protection at CTF/GGS /OCS.
VI) All storage tanks (fixed/floating roof) at
CTF/GGS/OCS having capacity more
than 500 KL and diameter more than 9.0
metres should be protected with water
spray/drenching system.
VII) Fire fighting equipment shall be provided
at all installations CTF/GGS/OCS as per
section 70 (2) & (3) OMR-84. A water
ring main with adequate storage of water
at site, pump feeding hydrants and water
monitors shall be provided and
maintained. Fixed roof storage tank shall
be provided with fixed foam connections.
5.0 FIRE FIGHTING
SYSTEM/EQUIPMENT AT DRILLING RIG
In drilling rig following fire fighting
system/equipment should be provided:
- Fire water system
- First aid fire fighting system
5.1 Fire Water System
In drilling rig minimum fire water system
should be considered to initiate the fire fighting
operation at the incipient stage and before the
arrival of the mobile fire tenders.
5.1.1 Components of fire water system
The main components of fire water
system are fire water storage, fire water pumps
and distribution network.
5.1.2 Criteria
The fire water system in a drilling rig
should be designed to meet the fire water flow
required for fighting fire with a monitor of
minimum 1600 LPM capacity. However,
provision should be made in the system to hook up
from the mobile fire tender or any other water
supply of adequate pressure to operate some
additional water monitors etc.
distance of 15.0 metres from the well head area.
The water line should be charged from the
delivery of the trailer fire pump and also provision
shall be made to charge the line from the outside
fire tender/pump.
ii) Hydrants
Hydrants in the line should be located in
such a manner that the entire hazardous areas are
covered/protected. At least 2 nos. of hydrants
should be provided on the line (one near bunk
houses and other near generator area). Single
hydrant with landing valves and 4” stand post
shall be provided. All hydrant outlets shall be
situated 1.2 mtrs above the ground level.

5.1.3 Water Storage iii) Monitors

One water tank of capacity minimum 50
KL should be installed at the approach site of the
drilling location. The tanks should be skid
mounted welded type with adequate thickness.
Provision should be made to divert the
water available for mud preparation purpose to the
fire water storage tank if required during any
emergency. Water filling arrangement for the tank
should be made.
In exploratory well drilling, one
additional tank/pit of 40 KL to be provided.
Water monitors fixed/portable shall be
installed/provided at least 15.0 mtrs. away from
the well head. Monitors shall be located to direct
the water jet on the well head and other hazardous
area and also to provide water shield to the
fireman approaching a fire. The location of the
monitors shall not exceed 30.0 mtrs. from the
derrick area to be protected.
iv) Minimum four numbers of fire hoses
with two numbers of branch pipes should
be provided at site.

5.1.4 Fire Water Pump 5.2 FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING

One diesel engine driven trailer fire
pump of capacity 1800 LPM should be placed at
the approach area of a drilling site. The pump
should be capable of developing 7.0 kg/cm2
pressure and it should be hooked up with the water
storage tank provided at the approach area.
5.1.5 Fire Water Distribution Line
i) One fire water distribution single line
with minimum 4” size pipe/casing should be
installed at the drilling rig with a minimum
EQUIPMENT AT DRILLING RIG
5.2.1 Portable Fire Extinguisher
Portable fire Extinguisher should be
installed as per the IS-2190 . All the Extinguisher
should be located at a convenient location and
clearly visible and easily accessible. Maximum
running distance from any point to the nearest
Extinguisher shall not exceed 10.0 metres. The
portable Extinguisher shall be installed in such a
way that the top of the Extinguisher is not more
than
1.5 mtrs above the floor level.

The minimum quantities of fire Extinguisher at various locations should be provided as per the followings:

Type of Area Portable Extinguisher

i) Derrick floor - 2 nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

ii) Main Engine area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

(catterpillar Engine 3 nos.) for each engine

iii) Electrical motor/pump for - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

water circulation for
mud preparation

iv) Mud gunning pump area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher for each mud gunning pump
3
 v) Electrical Control Room - 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher for
each unit
- 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher for
each unit
vi) Mud mixing tank area/ - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
Chemical laboratory
vii) Diesel storage area - 1 No. 50 ltrs Mechanical foam
Extinguisher
- 1 No. 50 kg DCP Extinguisher
2 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
2 Nos. sand bucket or 1/2’ sand
drum with spade.

viii) Lube storage area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

1 No. Sand bucket stand
ix) Air compressor area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
x) Fire pump area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
xi) Near DIC office - 1 No. Fire Extinguisher/Shed with
3 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
and 2 Nos. sand bucket.
xii) Fire bell near bunk house - 1 No.

provided with one monitor and one hydrant point.

6.0 FIRE FIGHTING FACILITIES
AT WORKOVER RIG
In Workover Rig following fire fighting
arrangement should be made:
- Fire water storage facilities with fire pump
- Portable fire Extinguisher
6.1 Fire Water Storage with fire pump
One 40.0 KL capacity water storage tank should
be provided at the approach area and it should be
connected with a trailer/skid mounted diesel
engine driven fire water pump of capacity 1800
LPM at 7.0 kg/cm2 pressure. The water storage
tank should be skid mounted welded type of
adequate thickness. Minimum 4” hydrant
line/Hoses to cover well head and hazardous area
form approach side(Single line) should be
One point near approach should be provided for
connecting fire tender. Tank available for
preparation of well work over fluid can also be
used for fire fighting purpose, provided it is kept
at safe place and always kept full.
One additional TPC connection should be
provided with the fire water storage tank for
connection of the fire tender in case of emergency.
Regular filling arrangement of the above
mentioned tank should be provided.
Necessary hose storage facilities should
be provided for keeping 4 nos. Fire hose of full
length with 2 nos. branch pipe.
In case more number of WORs are
operating in same area and fire fighting facilities
are available within 15 minutes from nearby
GGS/CTF/WOR/Drilling rig than pumps and
water tankers can be pooled suitably for WORs so
that resources are available during critical
operations.

6.2 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment at Workover Rig

Type of Area Portable Extinguisher

I) Workover rig’s engine area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

ii) Rig’s compressor area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iii) Rig floor area - 2 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iv) Electrical generator house - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
- 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher

v) Mud Water Pump/motor area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

4
vi) Near DIC office area - 2 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
2 Nos. Sand bucket
vii) Fire bell near office cabin - 1
viii) Lub. Oil area - 2 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
2 Nos sand bucket
Note: Sufficient safety precaution should be taken while transporting the Extinguisher from location to
location.
7.0 FIRE FIGHTING FACILITIES IN
CTF/GGS/OCS
The fire fighting facilities in CTF should
be done as per OISD Standard 117.
7.1 FIRE WATER SYSTEM
Water is an essential and the most
important medium available to mankind for fire
protection. Water is used for fire extinguishment,
fire control, cooling of equipment, exposure
protection of equipment and personnel from heat
radiation. For these purposes water is used in
various forms such as straight jet, water fog, water
curtain, water spray, deluge / sprinkler, oscillating
monitors for foam preparation etc.
7.1.1 Components of Fire Water System
The main components of the system are
Fire Water Storage, Fire Water Pumps and
Distribution Piping Network.
7.1.2 Basis :
The fire water system in an installation
should be designed to meet the fire water flow
required for fighting one largest risk at a time.
DESIGN FLOW RATE:
Fire water flow rate for a tank farm shall
be aggregate of the following:
- Water flow calculated for cooling a tank
on fire at a rate of 3 lpm/m² of tank shell area.
- Water flow calculated for exposure
protection for all other tanks falling within a
radius of (R +30)m from centre of the tank on fire
(R-Radius of tank on fire) and situated in the same
dyke at a rate of 3 lpm/m² of tank shell area.
- Water flow calculated for exposure
protection for all other tanks falling outside a
radius of (R+30)m from centre of the tank on fire
6
and situated in the same dyke at a rate of 1
lpm/m2 of tank shell area.
Water flow required for applying foam on a single
largest tank by way of fixed foam system, where
provided, or by use of water/foam monitors.
7.1.3 HEADER PRESSURE
The fire water pressure system shall be
designed for a minimum residual pressure of 7
kg/cm2g at the hydraulically remotest point of
application at the designed flow rate at that point.
7.1.4 STORAGE
Water for the hydrant service shall be
stored in any easily accessible surface or
underground lined reservoir or above ground tanks
of steel concrete or masonry. The effective
capacity of the reservoir / tank above the level of
suction point shall be minimum 2 hours aggregate
working capacity of pumps. Make –up water
supply source shall be ensured.
Fire water supply shall be preferably
from fresh water source such as river, tubewell or
lake. Where fresh water source is not easily
available, fire water supply may be sea water or
other acceptable source like treated effluent water.
Where treated effluents is used as fire water
supply, it shall not have fecal waste
contamination.
The installation shall have facilities for
receiving and diverting all the water coming to the
installation to fire water storage tanks in case of an
emergency.
Storage reservoir shall be in two
equal interconnected compartments to facilitate
cleaning and repairs. In case of steel tanks there
shall be minimum two tanks each having 50 % of
required capacity.

Large natural reservoirs having water
capacity exceeding 10 times the aggregate water
requirement of fire pumps may be left unlined.
7.1.5 FIRE WATER PUMPS
Fire water pumps shall be installed to meet the
design fire water flow rate and head. These
should have flooded suction.
The pumps shall be capable of discharging 150%
of its rated discharge at a minimum of 65% of the
rated head. The Shut-off head shall not exceed
120% of rated head for horizontal centrifugal
pumps and 140% for vertical turbine pump.
A minimum of 50% standby pump(s) (minimum
one no.) of the same type and capacity as the main
pumps shall be provided.
The fire water pump(s) including the standby
pump(s) shall be of diesel engine driven type.
Where electric supply is reliable 50% of the
pumps may be electric driven. The diesel engines
shall be quick starting type with the help of push
buttons located on or near the pumps or located at
a remote location. Each engine shall have an
independent fuel tank adequately sized for 6 hours
continuous running of the pump.
Fire water pumps & storage shall be located at 30
mtrs (minimum) away from equipment or where
hydrocarbons are handled or stored.
Fire water pumps shall be exclusively used for fire
fighting purpose only.
The fire water network shall be kept pressurised
by a static tank or jockey pump(s). Where jockey
pumps are used, the capacity of pump shall be
sufficient to maintain the system pressure in the
event of leakages from valves etc. The capacity of
Jockey pump shall not be less than 3% (with a
minimum of 180 lpm) and not more than 10% of
the designed fire water rate at network pressure
not less than 3 Kg/cm2g.
7.1.6 FIRE WATER DISTRIBUTION
NETWORK
(i) Looping:
The fire water network shall be
laid in closed loops as far as possible to ensure
multi-directional flow in the system. Isolation
valves shall be provided in the network to enable
isolation of any section of the network without
6
affecting the flow in the rest. The isolation valves
shall be located normally near the loop junctions.
Additional valves shall be provided in the
segments where the length of the segment exceeds
300 mtrs.
(ii) Above / Underground Network :
The fire water network piping
should normally be laid above ground at a height
of 300 mm to 400 mm above finished ground
level. However, the fire water network piping shall
be laid below ground level at the following places
- Road crossings.
- Places where the above ground piping is
likely to cause obstruction to operation, vehicle
movement and places where the above ground
piping is likely to get damaged mechanically.
- Where frost condition warrants, the
pipeline shall be laid under-ground beneath the
frost layer.
(iii) Protection of underground pipelines:
- The mains shall have at least one mtr. earth
cushion in open ground and 1.5 mtrs cushion
under the roads. In case of crane movement areas,
pipe may be protected with concrete/steel
encasement.
- The mains shall be provided with protection
against soil corrosion by suitable
coating/wrapping.
In case of poor soil conditions it may be
necessary to provide concrete/masonry supports
under the pipe.
Protection of above ground pipes:
- The mains shall be supported at regular intervals
not exceeding 6 mtrs.
- The system for above ground portion shall be
analysed for flexibility against thermal expansion
and necessary expansion loops where called for
shall be provided.
(iv) SIZING:
Fire water distribution ring main shall be
sized for 120% of the design water rate. Design
flow rates shall be distributed at nodal points to
give the most realistic way of water requirement in
an emergency. It may be necessary to assume
several combinations of flow requirement for
design of network. For large water requirement
for floating roof tank the network around the tank
farm shall be suitably designed. The analysis of
network shall be preferably done through a
computer programme.
The minimum residual pressure shall be
as defined in 7.1.3.
v) The fire water network shall always be
kept pressurised by any of the following
arrangements:
— If fire water is stored in above ground
storage tanks with water level more than 5 mtrs.
above the highest point of fire water network, a
direct connection with a non-return valve shall be
provided to the fire water network from the
storage tank.
— If the fire water is stored in underground
tanks, the fire water network shall be connected to
an overhead water tank if available in the
installation; otherwise a jockey pump shall be
installed to keep the mains pressurised.
— Make up water shall be provided to
account for leakages in the system so that fire
water storage is kept to the desired capacity.
(vi) Connections for fixed water monitors
shall be provided with independent isolation
valves.
(vii) Fire water mains shall not pass through
buildings or dyke areas.
(viii) In case of underground mains the
isolation valves shall be located in RCC/brick
masonry chamber.
7.1.7 HYDRANTS AND MONITORS:
(i) Hydrants shall be located bearing in
mind the fire hazards at different sections of the
premises to be protected and to give most effective
service. At least one hydrant post shall be
provided for every 30 mtrs of external wall
measurement or perimeter of battery limit in case
of high hazard areas. For non-hazardous area, they
shall be spaced at 45 mtrs. intervals. The
horizontal range & coverage of hydrants with hose
connections shall not be considered beyond 45
mtrs.
(ii) Hydrants shall be located at a minimum
distance of 15 mtrs. from the periphery of storage
tank or equipment under protection. In case of
buildings this distance shall not be less than 2
mtrs. and not more than 15 mtrs. from the face of
7
building. Provision of hydrants within the building
shall be provided in accordance with IS : 3844.
Hydrant/Monitors shall be located along
road side for easy accessibility.
(iii) Double headed hydrants with two
separate landing valves on 4" standpost shall be
used. All hydrant outlets shall be situated 1.2
mtrs. above ground level.
(iv) Monitors shall be located to direct water
on the object as well as to provide water shield to
firemen approaching a fire.
Monitors shall not be installed less than
15mtrs. from hazardous equipment. The
requirement of monitors shall be established based
on hazards involved and layout considerations.
The location of the monitors shall not
exceed 45 mtrs from the hazard to be protected.
(v) Hydrants and monitors shall not be
installed inside the dyke areas. However, as an
additional requirement, oscillating monitors may
be provided in inaccessible area within dyke with
isolation valve or ROV outside the tank farm.
(vi) Tanker Loading/unloading area should
be provided with alternate water cum foam
monitors having multipurpose combination
nozzles for jet spray & fog arrangement and fire
hydrants located at a spacing of 30 mtrs. on both
sides of the gantry. The hydrants & monitors shall
be located at a minimum distance of 15 mtrs. from
the Tanker.
(vii) Hydrants/Monitors shall be preferably
located with branch connection.
7.1.8 FIXED WATER SPRAY SYSTEM
(i) Fixed spray water system is a fixed pipe
system connected to a reliable source of water
supply and equipped with water spray nozzles for
specific water discharge and distribution over the
surface of area to be protected. The piping system
is connected to the hydrant system water supply
through an automatically or manually actuated
valve, which initiates the flow of water.
(ii) Water supply patterns and their densities
shall be selected according to need. Fire water
spray system for exposure protection shall be
designed to operate before the possible failures of
any containers of flammable liquids or gases due
to temperature rise. The system shall, therefore,
be designed to discharge effective water spray
within shortest possible time.
 (i) System be designed to create foam
7.2 FOAM SYSTEMS blanket on the burning surface in a reasonably
short period.

7.2.1 CONVEYING SYSTEMS (ii) Foam shall be applied to the burning

The system consists of an adequate water
supply, supply of foam concentrate, suitable
proportioning equipment, a proper piping system,
foam makers and discharge devices designed to
adequately distribute the foam over the hazard.
hazard continuously at a rate high enough to
overcome the destructive effects of radiant heat.
(iii) Foam makers/foam pourers shall be
located not more than 24 mtrs. apart on the shell
perimeter based on 600 mm foam dam height.

Conventional systems are of the open (iv) A minimum of two foam pourers shall be
outlet type, in which foam discharges from all provided.
outlets at the same time, covering the entire hazard
within the confines of the system. There are three
types of systems: 7.2.3 FIXED ROOF TANK PROTECTION

i) Fixed Foam conveying system shall have same

ii) Semi-Fixed features as of floating roof tank excepting that a
iii) Mobile vapour seal chamber is required before the foam
discharge outlet.
(i) Fixed Foam System
Features of the foam system for fixed
Fixed foam conveying system comprises roof protection shall be as follows:
of fixed piping for water supply at adequate
pressure, foam concentrate tank, eductor, suitable (i) The vapour seal chamber shall be
proportioning equipment for drawing foam provided with an effective and durable seal, fragile
concentrate and making foam solution, fixed under low pressure, to prevent entrance of vapour
piping system for onward conveying to foam into the foam conveying piping system.
makers for making foam, vapour seal box and
foam pourer. (ii) Where two or more pourers are required
these shall be equally spaced at the periphery of
(ii) Semi-Fixed Foam System the tank and each discharge outlet shall be sized to
deliver foam at approximately the same rate.
Semi-fixed foam system gets supply of
foam solution through the mobile foam tender. A (iii) Tanks should be provided with foam
fixed piping system connected to foam makers discharge outlets/pourers as indicated below:
cum vapour seal box in case of cone roof tanks
and foam maker and foam pourers in the case of Tank Diameter Minimum number of foam
floating roof tanks conveys foam to the surface of in mtrs. discharge outlet
tank.
>18 upto 20 2
(iii) Mobile System >20 upto 25 3
>25 upto 30 4
Mobile system includes foam producing >30 upto 35 5
unit mounted on wheels, which may be self >35 upto 40 6
propelled or towed by a vehicle. These units >40 upto 45 8
supply foam through monitors/foam towers to the >45 upto 50 10
burning surface.
The estimation of number of foam
7.2.2 FLOATING ROOF TANK discharge outlet is based on pourer capacity of
PROTECTION 1000 lpm at a pressure of 7 kg/cm2 g upstream of
eductor.
For floating roof tank, foam shall be
poured at the foam dam to blanket the roof seal.
Features of foam system for floating roof tank
protection shall be as follows:

8
7.2.4 FLOATING CUM FIXED ROOF
TANK PROTECTION
Protection facilities shall be provided as
required for fixed roof tank.
7.2.5 PROTECTION FOR DYKE
AREA/SPILL FIRE
Portable monitors/foam hose streams
shall be considered for fighting fires in dyke area
and spills.
7.2.6 FOAM APPLICATION RATE
The minimum delivery rate for primary
protection based on the assumption that all the
foam reaches the area being protected shall be as
indicated below :
For cone roof tanks containing liquid
hydrocarbons, the foam solution delivery rate shall
be at least 5 lpm/m2 of liquid surface area of the
tank to be protected.
For floating roof tanks containing liquid
hydrocarbons foam solution delivery rate shall be
at least 12 lpm/m2 of seal area with foam dam
height of 600 mm of the tank to be protected.
In case of floating roof sinking, the rate
considered should be 8.1 lpm/m2 of liquid surface
areas.
In determining total solution flow
requirements, potential foam losses from wind and
other factors shall be considered.
7.2.7 DURATION OF FOAM DISCHARGE
The equipment shall be capable of
providing primary protection at the specified
delivery rates for the following minimum period
of time.
i) Tanks containing
Class 'A' & 'B' - 65 minutes
ii) Where the system's
primary purpose is for
spill fire protection - 30 minutes
7.2.8 WATER FOR FOAM MAKING
Water quantity required for making foam
solution depends upon the type of foam used.
Protein foams in normal use have a 3% to 6%
proportioning ratio. However, foam supplier data
9
shall be used for determining water quantity
required.
7.2.9 FOAM QUANTITY REQUIREMENT
The aggregate quantity of foam solution
should be calculated as below :
(i) Foam solution application at the rate of 5
lpm/m2 for the liquid surface of the single largest
cone roof tank or at the rate of 12 lpm/m2 of seal
area of the single largest floating roof tank
whichever is higher.
However, a foam solution application
rate of 8.1 lpm/m2 of the liquid surface of the
largest floating roof tank for 65 minutes may be
considered for a roof sinking case. (Refer
Annexure-IV for sample calculation)
(ii) Two hose streams of foam each with a
capacity of 1140 lpm of foam solution.
The aggregate quantity of foam solutions should
be largest of (i) and (ii) as above for a
minimum period of 65 minutes. From this the
quantity of foam based on 3% or 6% proportion
should be calculated.However, for installation
having aggregate storage not more than 10,000
KL, the foam concentrate storage shall be based
on (i) only.
7.2.10 FOAM COMPOUND STORAGE
Foam compound should be stored in plastic
containers of 20-30 ltrs capacity or 200/210 ltrs
capacity barrels in case of protein, fluroprotein or
AFFF. Foam compound can also be stored in
overhead storage tank of suitable capacity for
quick filling of foam tender/nurser during
emergency.
Type of foam compound used can be
protein or fluroprotein or AFFF. Alcohol Resistant
Foam can be used for specific application.
Minimum life of foam compound shall be taken as
per manufacturer's data.
Foam compound shall be tested
periodically for ensuring its quality and the
deteriorated quantity replaced. The deteriorated
foam compound can be used for fire training
purposes.
Quantity of foam compound equal to
1000 Ltrs. to be kept in GGS/OCS . Additional
quantity required if any, during emergency shall
be arranged from the near by installations/ CTF.
7.3 The minimum quantities of fire Extinguishers at various locations in GGS/OCS should be provided
as per following :

AREA PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER

i) Separator Area - For every 50.0 m2 one DCP
Extinguisher
ii) Dispatch Pump area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP / Pump
iii) Manifold Area - 2 No. 10 kg DCP/ manifold
iv) Storage Tank Area - 6 Nos. 10 kg DCP +
1 No. 50 kg DCP
v) Generator House Area - 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher. &
1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher.
vi) Fire Pump Area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher.
vii) Tanker Loading /unloading pt. - 3 Nos. 10 kg DCP
- 1 No. 50 kg DCP
- 1 No.50 ltr. Mechanical
Foam Extinguisher.

viii) Emulsion Treater Area - 3 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher.

1/2 cut Drum with sand & sawel
ix) Lub Oil/Fuel Storage Area - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher.
x) Switchgear room - 4 Nos. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher.
xi) Boiler Area/Bath heater - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP
1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher.
xii) Chemical dozing pump area - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP
xiii) Office building area - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguishers
xiv) Disposal water pump area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher.
xv) Water Clarification plant - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguishers.

8.1.2 BASIS
8.0 FIRE FIGHTING FACILITIES IN
GCP/GCS Gas Compressor Plant is an extra high
hazardous installation. Any fire incident may
Following fire fighting arrangement cause major damage to the compressor plant.
should be made in a Gas Compressor Plant/Gas Hence, system should be capable of handling any
Compressor Station: major outbreak of fire incident at any Compressor.
- Fire water system Design of water flow rate should be enough to
- First Aid fire fighting operate 2 nos. Water monitor (1600 LPM)
equipment
- Detection System and Alarm simultaneously from the two opposite sides of any
Compressor with full working pressure (7.0
8.1.1 FIRE WATER SYSTEM kg/cm2).

Water is an essential and the most

important medium available to mankind for fire 8.1.3 Component of fire water system
protection. Water is used for fire extinguishment,
fire control, cooling of equipment, exposure Main component of fire water system is
protection of equipment and personnel from heat fire water storage, fire water pump and
radiation. For these purposes water is used in distribution network.
various forms such as straight jet, water fog, water
curtain, water spray, deluge / sprinkler, oscillating
monitors for foam preparation etc.

10
8.1.3.1 FIRE WATER STORAGE
In almost all cases, Gas Compressor
Plants/Stations are situated adjacent to GGS/OCS
where good fire water system with adequate water
storage and pumping facilities are available.
Hence, as much as practicable this system should
be hooked up with the GCP/GCS’s water ring
main to avoid separate water storage and pumping
units. Otherwise, separate water storage and
pumps should be provided.
Minimum 300 K.L. of water storage
shall be available at GCS/GCP.
Fire water supply shall be preferably
from fresh water source such as river, tubewell or
lake. Where fresh water source is not easily
available, fire water supply may be sea water or
other acceptable source like treated effluent water.
Where treated effluents is used as fire water
supply, it shall not have fecal waste
contamination.
The installation shall have facilities for
receiving and diverting all the water coming to the
installation to fire water storage tanks in case of an
emergency.
Storage reservoir shall be in two
equal interconnected compartments to facilitate
cleaning and repairs. In case of steel tanks there
shall be minimum two tanks each having 50 % of
required capacity.
Large natural reservoirs having water
capacity exceeding 10 times the aggregate water
requirement of fire pumps may be left unlined.
8.1.3.2 FIRE WATER PUMPS
i) Fire water pumps shall be installed to
meet the design fire water flow rate and head.
These should have flooded suction.
The pumps shall be capable of discharging
150% of its rated discharge at a minimum of 65%
of the rated head. The Shut-off head shall not
exceed 120% of rated head for horizontal
8.2 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment at GCP/GCS
Type of area
I) Near each compressor unit - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
ii) Glycol dehydration unit - 2 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iii) Air Compressor area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iv) Condensate recovery unit - 1 No. 50 kg DCP Extinguisher
- 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
11
centrifugal pumps and 140% for vertical turbine
pump.
A minimum of 50% standby pump(s) (minimum
one no.) of the same type and capacity as the main
pumps shall be provided.
The fire water pump(s) including the standby
pump(s) shall be of diesel engine driven type.
Where electric supply is reliable 50% of the
pumps may be electric driven. The diesel engines
shall be quick starting type with the help of push
buttons located on or near the pumps or located at
a remote location. Each engine shall have an
independent fuel tank adequately sized for 6 hours
continuous running of the pump.
Fire water pumps & storage shall be located at 30
mtrs (minimum) away from equipment or where
hydrocarbons are handled or stored.
Fire water pumps shall be exclusively used for fire
fighting purpose only.
The fire water network shall be kept pressurised
by a static tank or jockey pump(s). Where jockey
pumps are used, the capacity of pump shall be
sufficient to maintain the system pressure in the
event of leakages from valves etc. The capacity of
Jockey pump shall not be less than 3% (with a
minimum of 180 lpm) and not more than 10% of
the designed fire water rate at network pressure
not less than 3 Kg/cm2g.
8.1.3.3 Fire Water Distribution Network
Fire water ringmain should be made available all
around the gas compressor plant. The size of the
ringmain should be of 8” diameter. Hydrants and
monitors should be provided in the entire ringmain
and distance between the two monitors or two
hydrants should not exceed 30.0 mtrs. Hydrant
and monitors should be located at minimum
distance of 15.0 metres from the periphery of
compressors or equipment under protection along
road side. However, total number of hydrants and
monitors should depend upon the number of
compressor and the location of each compressor.
No area should be left uncovered from the range
of the water monitors.
Portable Extinguisher
v) Main electrical switchgear - 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher
area
vi) Both side of the main - 1 No. 50 kg DCP Extinguisher
compressor shed area
8.3 DETECTION SYSTEM AND
ALARM
Human beings are excellent fire detectors since
they possess sense of smell, sight, and touch. But
since human senses are also unreliable due to the
need for frequent rest and relaxation, a number of
mechanical, electrical and electronic devices have
been developed to mimic human senses in the
detection of gases / smoke / heat and flame.
A flammable gas detector is designed to give a
warning of the presence of flammable gases or
vapours in air, well before they reach
explosive concentrations. Normally, the detector
provides visible and audible alarm signals, but
frequently it performs a further function by
initiating control action such as increasing
ventilation or shutting off the source of gas. A
flammable gas detector can also be used for
tracing leaks and checking that vessels or tunnels
are gas free before entering.
While designing a fire detection and
suppression system for GCP following criteria
may also be kept under consideration:-
1) Gas detection system connected to
emergency shut down system on coincident logic.
2) Ultraviolet (UV) detection system or
equipment, connected to FSD( Fire Shut Down )
logic. Detection of any fire should lead to auto
shut off of the gas supply, total shutdown of the
plant and blow down of the trapped gas to flare.
8.3.1 AREAS TO BE COVERED WITH
DETECTORS
The entire gas compressor area to be
covered with hydrocarbon gas detector. The exact
loocation and number of points shall be decided
on need basis.
9.0 FIRE FIGHTING FACILITIES IN
EARLY PRODUCTION SET UP
(EPS)
In any early production set-up, the fire
fighting facilities should be of following types:
- Fire water system
- First aid fire fighting equipment
1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
at each side of the main
compressor shed.
9.1 Fire Water System
The fire water system should be capable
enough to fight/control any fire situation within
the installation effectively before the fire tender
reaches at site from the nearby fire station.
9.1.1 COMPONENT OF FIRE WATER
SYSTEM
Main component of fire water system is
fire water storage, fire pump and distribution
network.
9.1.2 BASIS
Fire water system should be designed in
such a manner that at least one monitor of capacity
approx. 1600 LPM or 2 nos. hydrant can operate
in full pressure (7.0kg/cm2) in case of any
emergency.
9.1.3 FIRE WATER STORAGE
At least 2 nos. welded tanks of capacity
40.0 KL each or one static ground reservoir of
similar capacity should be made for water storage
purpose at any EPS. Regular filling arrangement
for the above mentioned tanks should be provided.
Separate TPC connection should be provided in
the welded tanks for fire tenders connection.
9.1.4 Fire Water Pump
One trailer pump of capacity 1800 LPM
at 7.0 kg/cm2 pressure should be installed and
hooked up with the water storage facilities.
9.1.5 Fire Water Distribution Network
Fire water line of 4” size should be made
at two sides of the EPS along road side. Line
should be at least 15.0 mtrs away from the
hazardous area. This line should be hooked up
with the delivery of the trailer fire pump.
Provision should be made to pressurise the
ringmain if required from the outside fire tender or
any other reliable pressurised water supply.
12
9.1.6 Above ground piping
Piping network should be laid above the
ground level. Height should be 300 to 400 mm
from the ground and it should be supported at
every 6.0 mtrs distance. It should be ensured that
proper coating etc. to be provided on pipe near
support. However, if required pipe can be laid
below ground with proper protection arrangement
as per OISD Standard 117.
area. Distance between the two hydrants or two
monitors should not be more than 30.0 mtrs.
Monitors should be installed in such a manner that
it should be able to cover all the tanks as well as
group unit area. Height of the hydrant valve
should not be more than 1.2 mtrs. from the ground
level.
9.2 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment at
EPS

Hydrant/Monitors Portable fire Extinguisher should be

installed as per IS-2190. All fire Extinguisher
Hydrants and monitors should be should be kept under proper Extinguisher shed.
installed along the line to cover entire hazardous

The minimum quantities of fire Extinguisher at various locations should be provided as per the followings:

Area Portable Fire Extinguisher

i) Separator/Group unit area - 2 Nos. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
and 2 nos. sand bucket under
one Extinguisher shed
ii) Dispatch pump area - 1 No 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
for each pump and with a minimum
of 2 nos 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
1 No. 50 ltrs Mechanical foam
Extinguisher and 2 nos sand bucket.
iii) Near storage tank area - 2 Nos 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iv) Electrical switch gear - 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher
area/Generator house 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

10.0 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT 10.1 Fire water storage with fire pump
AT QUICK PRODUCTION
SETUP (QPS)/Well Head One 40.0 KL capacity water storage tank should
Installation (WHI) be provided at the approach area of the QPS. The
tank should be of welded type with adequate
Quick Production Setup is a small production unit thickness. One trailer pump of capacity 1800
of temporary nature. Following minimum fire LPM at 7.0 kg/cm2 pressure should be provided.
protection facilities should be installed: The pump should be hooked up with the water
- Fire water storage facilities with fire storage tank.
pump One additional TPC connection should be
- First Aid fire fighting equipment provided in the storage tank for connecting outside
fire tender in case of emergency. Regular filling
arrangement for the above mentioned tank should
be provided.

10.2 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment at QPS/WHI

Area Portable Extinguisher

i) Separator/Group unit area - 2 Nos 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
and 2 Nos sand bucket under
an Extinguisher shed.
ii) Dispatch pump area - 1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher for
each pump. Minimum 2 nos
10 kg DCP Extinguisher.

13
iii) Near tank storage area - 2 Nos 10 kg DCP Extinguisher
iv) Generator house - 1 No. 6.8 kg CO2 Extinguisher
1 No. 10 kg DCP Extinguisher

12.2 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

11.0 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Adequate communication system like
All the materials to be used in fire water telephone/Public Address System/Paging System/
system shall be of approved type intrinsically safe Walkie-talkie system should be
i) Pipes: Carbon steel as per IS:3589/IS:1239 considered.
or its equivalent
In case of saline water service the fire water main
pipes shall be cu-ni, cement mortar/poly glass 13.0 FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATION/
lined internally. TRAINING
ii) Isolation valves: Cast iron/cast steel. Use of
cast steel valve is preferable
iii) Hydrant Standpost : carbon steel 13.1 ORGANISATION
Outlet valves: Stainless steel/Alluminium alloy
Landing valves : Stainless steel/Al - Zn Alloy (i) Overall responsibility for fire safety in
iv) Monitors :Carbon steel/Gun metal the oil installation shall be of the
v) Fire hose : IS 636 : (Type A) or Location-in-charge. He shall draw the
synthetic hose (Type B) necessary emergency plan. Since separate
Fire water network, hydrant, monitor etc shall be fire fighting set up is not usually
painted “Fire Red”. envisaged, one of the officers shall be
designated and responsible for inspection
of all
12.0 FIRE ALARM AND (ii) fire fighting equipment. He shall also
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR coordinate the activities during fire
EPS/GCP/GCS fighting.

12.1 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Electrical/hand operated fire siren shall
be installed at suitable location in installation. The
operating switch buttons shall be located near the
Risk Area at a safe, identifiable and accessible
location. The fire alarm shall be different from
shift sirens.
Fire siren code should be as follows:
1. SMALL FIRE: No siren
2. MAJOR FIRE: A wailing siren for two
minutes. Sirens will be sounded three times for
thirty seconds with an interval of fifteen second in
between.
3. DISASTER: Same type of siren as in
case of Major Fire but the same will be sounded
for three times at the interval of two minutes.
4. ALL CLEAR (For fire): Straight run
siren for two minutes.
5. TEST: Straight run siren for two minutes.
(ii) Hot work permit shall be issued by the
Installation Manager.
13.2 TRAINING
(i) The fire fighting training shall be
compulsory to all officers, operators, and other
employees who are likely to be present in the
installation. There shall be regular mock fire
drills, once a month. The record of such drills
shall be maintained by the installation Manager.
(ii) Every employee or authorised persons
working in the oil installation should be
familiarised with the fire alarm signal and should
know the location of the fire alarm point nearest to
his place of work. Instructions on the action to be
taken in the event of fire should be posted at each
alarm point and familiarity with these instructions
should be ensured and recorded.
(iii) OISD-STD-154 - Safety Aspects in
Functional Training shall be adhered to in this
regard.

14