00324_ExhibitB-Specifications.docx

#00324 – Signal Flares and Highway Signal Devices

EXHIBIT B – SPECIFICATIONS

Automatic Ignition Fusees (5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Minute Fusees) And Manual Automatic Ignition Chamber (MICA) Note: This exhibit provides an overview of the Specifications for this Competitive Solicitation. This exhibit details mandatory commitments for the resulting contract. If Bidder is awarded a contract, this Exhibit B - Specifications will be incorporated into the resulting contract (as Exhibit A - Included Goods/Services). An awarded Bidder, (i.e., contractor) who is not able to meet such commitments throughout the contract term, will be subject to contract termination for breach of contract and damages. Please see Exhibit D – Contract.

1. SCOPE

This specification defines the requirement for the procurement by the State of Washington of (i) 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minute automatic ignition fusees/flares (Signal Flares) used as an emergency highway warning device for the purpose of diverting traffic on highways and informing moving vehicle traffic to stay out of hazardous traffic areas; and (ii) the manual automatic ignition chamber (MICA), which is affixed to a deployment tube designed and constructed by the State of Washington, or affiliates of the State of Washington such as Washington Department of Transportation (DOT), to deploy the Signal Flares. Signal Flares are primarily used by DOT, and may also be used by other State and Municipal agencies.

2. STANDARDS REFERENCED

Underwriter Laboratories Highway Emergency Signals, UL 912 for Fusees. While Signal Flares are not specifically referenced in UL 912, all product specifications and testing required by UL 912 shall apply to the Signal Flares except that the specialized cap used to ignite Signal Flares and unique deployment of Signal Flares renders certain sections of UL 912 non-applicable, including the following:

· Section 24.1. There is no “ignition by friction”.

· Section 25.1. The cap used on Signal Flares has different dimensions and functionality than the one on a regular flare/fusee.

· Section 25.2. The cap on Signal Flares is not intended to be removed nor does it form “a device for lighting the ignition composition by friction”. There is no “scratch surface” on a cap for Signal Flares.

· Section 25.3. The wire protruding through the cap on a Signal Flare directly contacts the ignition composition.

· Section 28.1. There is no “effort necessary to effect ignition” with a Signal Flare since ignition is achieved by electrical current heating the ignition wire protruding through the cap.

· Section 28.2. UL does not test the efficacy of the cap nor the MICA. There is no “striking” of the Signal Flare.

· Section 35.1. Signal Flares are not ignited in the same manner as manually ignited flares. As such, there is no need to state: “ALWAYS POINT FUSEE AWAY FROM FACE AND BODY WHILE IGNITING AND AFTERWARDS”. However, this language is not disqualifying and may be found on some Signal Flares due to requirements in other states.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Signal Flares are dropped from a slow moving DOT vehicle (DOT deployment guidelines shall specify the rate of speed of the deployment vehicle) onto pavement to mark hazardous traffic areas along the highway for the purpose of controlling and informing traffic to stay out of hazardous traffic areas. After the Signal Flare is manually pushed through the MICA, the Signal Flare must fall freely through the vertical drop tube and remain burning as it hits the deflector and rolls underneath the slow moving DOT vehicle. The ignited Signal Flare should roll toward the center of the traveled way and away from the vehicle’s tires. This creates a trail of burning Signal Flares marking the boundaries for hazardous traffic areas. The Signal Flare must be capable of burning on dry and wet road surfaces and burn for the minimum time set forth in Table 32.2 of UL 912. It is expressly understood that it is the sole responsibility of DOT and any other State or Municipal agencies that utilize Signal Flares or the MICA to ensure that the Signal Flares drop freely through the MICA and the vertical drop tube and then onto the road surface in the manner dictated by the deployment requirements created and enforced by the State of Washington, DOT, and any State or Municipal agencies.

The MICA is manufactured to the design specification attached hereto as Exhibit 3.0. DOT is solely responsible for the design and construction of the apparatus that incorporates the MICA and deploys the Signal Flares. This apparatus typically involves a drop tube, a deflector to guide the placement of the Signal Flare on the road surface, and the supports to hold the apparatus in place. Specifically, the MICA is connected to a vertically mounted drop tube securely mounted to a DOT vehicle. The Signal Flare shall ignite when it is pushed through the MICA that is connected to the vehicle’s 12-volt battery. This connection provides electrical current to a pair of conductive bars mounted within the inner wall of the MICA.

The flexible plastic wings attached to the Signal Flare cap are designed to cushion the impact of the Signal Flare with the road surface and to help bring the Signal Flare to rest on the roadway. The plastic wings burn away within approximately 45 seconds of ignition and are not a long-term anti-roll feature. Excessive speed by the vehicle deploying the Signal Flares will prevent the plastic wings from functioning as intended and the State of Washington and any State or Municipal agencies that utilize the MICA and Signal Flares, such as DOT, are solely responsible for developing deployment requirements that include speed and safe use limitations for Signal Flare deployment as well as the restrictions for use referenced in Section 5.0 of this Specification.

Signal Flares shall be prepared for shipment by common carrier in accordance with Federal Department of Transportation (Federal DOT) Regulations and shall be packaged in water resistant cartons of sufficient strength to permit reshipment without further reinforcement using industry packaging. The shipping carton shall meet Federal DOT Regulations and shall be stamped with the “Certificate of Box Maker”.

The cartons shall be stacked on pallets such that the Federal DOT hazardous material classification label can be viewed from all four (4) sides. All cartons on a single pallet must contain the same product, i.e. same item code number.

4.2 Marking

Each carton shall be marked with the date the lot was manufactured, commodity, quantity, size (duration, minutes), and the manufacturer’s name or brand name and shall be easily visible from all four (4) sides.

4.3 Storage

Signal Flares shall be stored in sealed bags away from flame and heat. Failure to store in a sealed bag will diminish performance. For maximum protection and performance, replace Signal Flares every three (3) years from date of purchase.

5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS

The State of Washington, and any State or Municipal agencies such as DOT that purchase Signal Flares or MICAs under the State contract, acknowledge the following and agree to develop, document, and enforce safe use requirements for deploying and utilizing Signal Flares. Such safe use requirements shall incorporate the following acknowledgements:

· The supplier of the Signal Flares and MICAs is only responsible for the quality of these products as set forth in this Specification. The State of Washington, including any State or Municipal agencies such as DOT that purchase Signal Flares or MICAs under the State contract, are responsible for safe use, deployment, and adherence to deployment requirements promulgated by such party. The supplier has no involvement, responsibility, or liability related to the development or enforcement of such requirements.

· Signal Flares produce an extremely hot flame and should only be deployed outdoors on pavement or other hard surfaces with curbs or other separation from combustible materials.

· Use of Signal Flares is prohibited near spilled fuel, fumes or combustible materials (e.g., leaves, grass, wood, refuse).

· Special care must be used if deploying Signal Flares in dry and/or high wind environments, and, in certain circumstances to be prescribed by DOT, Signal Flares should not be used if there is risk of wildfire.

· Signal Flares may emit sparks or molten ash that can start a fire if such sparks or ash contact combustible materials.

· Signal Flares that have been deployed require supervision until the burn process is complete to assure safety of roadway and the environment.

· Signal Flares, if contacted by moving vehicles such as following traffic, can travel significant distances and will ignite combustible materials if they contact combustible materials. Careful deployment and supervision is required.

· Signal Flares should be deployed at a slow rate of speed to assure that the Signal Flares are properly placed on the roadway and to assure that such flares come to rest where intended by the DOT crew deploying such flares.

· Signal Flares shall never be deployed manually and may only be deployed using the MICA and the deployment apparatus designed, installed, and approved by DOT.

Exhibit B – Specifications-#00324 Signal Flares And Highway Signal Devices Page 1 image1.png image2.png image3.png