Fire protection for coal export terminal

Wormald has installed a comprehensive fire protection solution as part of expansion works at Newcastle’s coal export terminal. The terminal, which is located on Kooragang Island, is operated by the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG). The facility has undergone a significant expansion project which increases the export capacity to 53 million tonnes per year.

The fire protection requirements consisted of a range of fire protection equipment including fire hydrants and fire hose reels, as well as fire detection and suppression systems located at the wharf, dump station and stockpile areas.

The fire sprinkler and deluge systems installed at the site were particularly suitable for mining sites and hazardous environments where fires can spread very quickly or where valuable equipment surrounding the fire needs to be cooled.  Wormald also deployed a comprehensive fire detection and Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS). The EWIS is suitable in situations where mass notification is required and can facilitate the orderly evacuation of the site in the event of an emergency.

The Sapphire gaseous fire suppression system installed in key asset locations on site is designed to suppress the fire quickly, ensuring fire damage and interruptions to operations are kept to a minimum.  Sapphire systems are designed for use in areas that house sensitive equipment.

As part of the contract, Wormald was also responsible for stockpile dust suppression and dump station ventilation systems on site.

The export coal terminal expansion involved the installation of a new rail unloading facility and rail sidings, an additional stacker/reclaimer and stockyards, additional conveyors and sample stations as well as an additional ship loader. It is expected that the development will continue to generate strong economic benefits for the Hunter region and the rest of New South Wales.