AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM BOTTLE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

BACKGROUND:

• The Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (AFES) was installed in tactical vehicles as a safety mitigation factor for vehicle fires.

• The bottles are removed by unit personnel for required maintenance purposes or as part of the Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (DRMO) turn-in process.

• Handling mishaps occurred when the AFES bottles became uncontrolled projectiles, leading to a civilian death and multiple service members being significantly injured.

• Units may have a stockpile of these bottles in workspaces awaiting preparation for DRMO turn-in.

HAZARD:

• AFES bottles are pressurized to 900 pounds per square inch and contain a mixture of compressed gas and a fireretardant substance.

• Bottles can become very volatile if proper safety equipment is not attached and installed accordingly.

• The fire-retardant substance contained within the AFES bottle could violate local and state environmental protection agency regulations, halting the ability to relieve the internal pressure.

SAFETY GUIDANCE:

• Treat all AFES bottles as if they are fully charged, regardless of the reading on the gauge.

• Ensure expansion plug (anti-recoil), safety shield, electrical cap and safety pin (if equipped) are always installed on AFES bottles while bottles are not restrained or being removed from the vehicle mounting bracket.

• Use extreme caution when handling and storing AFES bottles.