What is the difference between UL listed and FM approved?
Both are third-party certifications that a fire protection component has been tested to a published standard. UL, Underwriters Laboratories, lists products against UL standards; FM Approvals, part of FM Global, approves products against FM standards, which are often more demanding and tied to insurance requirements. Many products carry both. The project fire-protection specification states which is required; Gulf oil and gas specifications commonly require FM approval for fire pumps, deluge valves and foam equipment.
What does NFPA 20 require of a fire pump?
NFPA 20 governs the installation of stationary fire pumps. A listed fire pump must deliver its rated flow at rated pressure, at least 150 % of rated flow at not less than 65 % of rated pressure, and churn pressure not exceeding 140 % of rated. It must be supplied as a complete unit with driver, controller and fittings, factory-tested, and installed with the specified suction, discharge and test arrangements. Diesel drivers are required where electrical supply reliability cannot be assured.
Why are fluorine-free foams replacing AFFF?
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, which are persistent in the environment and are being restricted or banned in the EU, the US and elsewhere. Fluorine-free foams achieve fire performance without PFAS. New installations should specify fluorine-free concentrate; existing AFFF systems face transition, which may require proportioner and nozzle review because fluorine-free foams behave differently.
What SCBA duration is needed?
Duration follows the task. A 30-minute set with a 6.8-litre 300 bar composite cylinder is standard for fire teams and emergency response; 45- and 60-minute sets for extended entry. Escape sets of 10 or 15 minutes are for evacuation from H₂S or smoke-affected areas, not for work. The set must be certified to EN 137 type 2 for firefighting use, and cylinders carry a hydrostatic test date that must be current.
What do the letters and numbers on FR coveralls mean?
EN ISO 11612 codes the protection: A1 and A2 are limited flame spread tests, B is convective heat, C is radiant heat, D is molten aluminium and E is molten iron, F is contact heat, each with a class number where a higher number means longer protection. IEC 61482-2 adds arc-flash protection in class 1 or 2. EN 1149 adds antistatic performance, needed in hazardous areas. Oil and gas specifications typically require A1 B1 C1, antistatic, and arc class 1 or 2 for electrical work.
What is needed to quote fire and safety equipment?
The fire-protection specification or, per item: the design standard, the required listing or approval, the hydraulic or size rating, the foam type and rate where relevant, quantities, the environment — onshore, offshore, hazardous area — and, for workwear, sizes, standards and class ratings. The project fire-protection philosophy or a bill of quantities covers all of this.
Where is the equipment sourced from?
CRS PLUS sources fire protection and safety equipment from its qualified supplier base of listed and certified manufacturers in Europe, Asia and the Gulf. Origin and the listing body are stated on each quotation. CRS PLUS does not name manufacturers on this page and holds no distribution or agency agreement with any of them.