MSC Circ1120 Solas CH II-2 Interpretations
MSC Circ1120 Solas CH II-2 Interpretations
MSC Circ1120 Solas CH II-2 Interpretations
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR E
Telephone: 020 7735 7611
Fax: 020 7587 3210
IMO
1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventy-eighth session (12 to 21 May 2004), with a
view to providing more specific guidance for vague expressions such as "to the discretion of the
Administration", which are open to different interpretations contained in IMO instruments, approved
the unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2, the FSS Code, the FTP Code and related fire test
procedures prepared by the Sub-Committee on Fire Protection, as set out in the annex.
2 Member Governments are invited to use the annexed unified interpretations as guidance
when applying relevant provisions of SOLAS chapter II-2, the FSS Code, the FTP Code and related
fire test procedures to fire protection construction, installation, arrangements and equipment to be
installed on board ships on or after 1 July 2004 and to bring the unified interpretations to the
attention of all parties concerned.
***
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A 1.3.2 Examples of repairs, alterations and modifications
.1 coffee automats, toasters, dish washers, microwave ovens, water boilers, induction
heaters and similar appliances each of them with a maximum power of 5 kW; and
.2 electrically heated cooking plates and hot plates for keeping food warm each of them
with a maximum power of 2 kW and a surface temperature not above 150°C.
These “light-weight constructions” should not be used as an integral part of main fire zone
bulkheads and stairway enclosures on passenger ships.
The communication systems here mean only internal communication systems, which are
required by the regulations.
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A 3.10 Adhesives in “C” class construction
Adhesives used in the construction of the “C” class divisions are not required to be
non-combustible; however, they are to have low flame-spread characteristics.
1 Main navigational equipment includes, in particular, the steering stand and the compass,
radar and position-finding equipment.
2 Steering gear rooms containing an emergency steering position are not considered to be
control stations.
3 Where in the regulations of chapter II-2 relevant to fixed fire-extinguishing systems there
are no specific requirements for the centralization within a control station of major
components of a system, such major components may be placed in spaces which are not
considered to be a control station.
4 Spaces containing, for instance, the following battery sources should be regarded as
control stations regardless of the battery capacity:
.1 emergency batteries in separate battery room for power supply from black-out till
start of the emergency generator;
.2 emergency batteries in separate battery room as reserve source of energy to radio
installation;
.3 batteries for start of the emergency generator; and
.4 in general, all emergency batteries required in pursuance of regulation II-1/42 or
II-1/43.
A 3.45 Devices in main pantries, pantries containing cooking appliances and galleys
.1 coffee automats, toasters, dish washers, microwave ovens, water boilers, induction
heaters and similar appliances each of them with a power of more than 5 kW; and
.2 electrically heated cooking plates and hot plates for keeping food warm each of them
with a maximum power of 5 kW.
B 4.2.1.4 Use of fuel oil having a flashpoint of 43°C or less and crude oil or slop for tanker boilers
1 Machineries and piping systems for the usage of fuel oil having a flashpoint of 43°C or
less should comply with the following:
.1 provisions for the measurement of oil temperature should be provided on the suction
pipe of oil fuel pump;
.2 stop valves and/or cocks should be provided to the inlet side and outlet side of the oil
fuel strainers; and
.3 pipe joints of welded construction or of circular cone type or spherical type union
joint should be applied as much as possible.
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B 4.2.2.3.4 Controls for remote operation of the valve for emergency generator fuel tank
The second sentence of regulation 4.2.4 is not applicable to hydraulic valves and cylinders
located on weather decks, in tanks, cofferdams, or void spaces.
This regulation is not intended to preclude the use of containers constructed of combustible
materials in galleys, pantries, bars, garbage handling or storage spaces and incinerator rooms
provided they are intended purely for the carriage of wet waste, glass bottles and metal cans
and are suitably marked.
B 4.4.3 Surface protection of insulation
The fire insulation in such spaces can be covered by metal sheets (not perforated) or by vapour
barrier glass cloth accurately sealed at the joint.
B 4.5.1 Construction of “cofferdams” and prohibition of containment of cargo, wastes and goods
The expression “cofferdam” means, for the purpose of this regulation, an isolating space between
two adjacent steel bulkhead or decks. The minimum distance between the two bulkheads or decks
should be sufficient for safe access and inspection. In order to meet the single failure principle,
in the particular case when a corner-to-corner situation occurs, this principle may be met by
welding a diagonal plate across the corner (see figure of regulation 4.5.1 in the appendix). No
cargo, wastes or other goods should be contained in cofferdams.
Pump-rooms intended solely for ballast transfer need not comply with the requirements of
regulation 4.5.10. The requirements of regulation 4.5.10 are only applicable to the pump-
rooms where pumps for cargo, such as cargo pumps, stripping pumps, pumps for slop tanks,
pumps for COW or similar pumps are provided.
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B 4.5.2.2 Gastightness test for navigation bridge external doors and windows
The navigation bridge external doors and windows which are located within the limits of
regulation 4.5.2.1 should be tested for gastightness. If a water hose test is applied, the following
may be taken as a guide:
- nozzle diameter: minimum 12 mm;
- water pressure just before the nozzle: not less than 0.2 N/mm2; and
- distance between the nozzle and the doors or windows: maximum 1.5 m.
1 Areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on open deck, within a vertical cylinder of
unlimited height and 6m radius centred upon the center of the outlet, and within a hemisphere
of 6m radius below the outlet which permit the flow of large volumes of vapour, air or inert
gas mixtures during loading/discharging/ballasting are defined as Zone 1. Permitted electrical
equipment:
2 Areas within 4 m beyond the zone specified in 1 above are defined as Zone 2. Permitted
electrical equipment:
Note: Zones 1 and 2 are those defined in IEC Publication IEC 60092 Electrical installations in
ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features
Electrical equipment fitted in compliance with IEC Publication 60092- Electrical installations
in ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features is not considered a source of ignition or ignition
hazard.
“Closed ullage system” means a system which allows cargo measurement without breaking the
integrity of the tank.
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B 4.5.10.1.2 Emergency lighting
Where the lighting in cargo pump-rooms can be commonly used as the emergency lighting,
this lighting should be interlocked with the ventilation systems. However, this interlock should
not prevent operation of the emergency lighting in case of the loss of the main source of
electrical power.
B 4.5.10.1.3 Monitoring the concentration of hydrocarbon gases in cargo pump-rooms on oil tankers
1 Sequential sampling is acceptable as long as it is dedicated for the pump room only,
including exhaust ducts, and the sampling time is reasonably short.
2 Detection positions are the zones where air circulation is reduced (e.g. recessed corners).
Bilge high-level alarms are acceptable as an alternative means for the level monitoring
devices.
In machinery spaces of category A, controls to close off ventilation ducts and pipes should be
installed with due regard to the hot gases produced by a fire in the space concerned.
B 5.3 Materials used on passenger ships for bulkheads of accommodation spaces as defined in
6.2 regulation 3.1
With respect to materials and components used for bulkheads in accommodation spaces, as
defined in regulation 3.1, see tables for regulations 5.3 and 6.2 in the appendix.
Cold service is understood to mean refrigeration systems and chilled water piping for
air-conditioning systems.
Surfaces referred to in regulation 5.3.2.4 are those of bulkheads, decks, floor coverings, wall
linings and ceilings as appropriate. The requirements described within these regulations are
not meant to apply to plastic pipes, electric cables, and furniture.
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B 6.2 Application to materials used for bulkheads and on surfaces of bulkheads, ceilings and
linings
Surfaces referred to in regulation 6.2 are those of bulkheads, decks, floor coverings, wall
linings and ceilings as appropriate. The requirements described within these regulations are
not meant to apply to plastic pipes, electric cables, and furniture.
C 7.8.3 Degree of protection and audibility of two-way portable telephone apparatus used in
special cargo spaces
1 On ships provided with special category spaces, ro-ro spaces or cargo spaces for the
carriage of dangerous goods, the two-way portable telephone apparatus should be of certified
safe type for use in zone 1 areas as defined in IEC Publication 60079 - Electrical Apparatus
for Explosive Gas Atmospheres.
2 Two-way portable telephone apparatus should be audible from most parts of the ship. As a
minimum, they should be audible where the fire patrol makes their rounds such as key box
locations and the routes specified on fire patrol checklist. If necessary, extra antennas should
be fitted to obtain effective communication.
C 8.2 Equally effective local ventilation closing arrangements for control stations
Equally effective local closing arrangements means that in case of ventilators these should be
fitted with fire dampers or smoke dampers which could be closed easily within the control
station in order to maintain the absence of smoke in the event of fire.
In machinery spaces of category A, controls to close off ventilation ducts and pipes should be
installed with due regard to the hot gases produced by a fire in the space concerned.
1 Any of the following methods of construction may be used to construct draught stops:
2 Draught stops are not required in public spaces with open ceilings (perforated ceilings)
with openings of 40% or more.
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C 8.5 Arrangement of exhaust fans for smoke extraction systems
The application of this regulation does not imply the arrangement of additional exhaust fans
other than those normally dedicated to the space considered, if these latter fans are of
sufficient size to meet the required capacity.
If a stairway serves two main vertical zones, the maximum length of one main vertical zone
should be measured from the far side of the main vertical zone stairway enclosure. In this case,
all boundaries of the stairway enclosure be insulated as main vertical zone bulkheads and
access doors leading into the stairway should be provided from the zones (see figures 1 to 4
for regulation 9.2.2.1 in the appendix). However, the stairway should not be included in
calculating the size of the main vertical zone if it is treated as its own main vertical zone.
The extension of the bulkhead should be made of non-combustible material and the
construction of the extension should correspond to the fire class of extended bulkhead. If the
extended bulkhead is of B-0, then the extension may be made of thin steel plates of 1 mm
thickness and tightened (e.g. with mineral wool). Alternatively, B-0 class extensions may be
constructed of a suitably supported mineral wool (density at least 100 kg/m3, thickness at least
50 mm).
Refer to MSC/Circ.917
If distribution boards are located in an identifiable space having a deck area of less than 4 m2,
this space may be categorized in (7), according to regulation 9.2.2.3.2.2, or (5), according to
regulations 9.2.2.4.2.2, 9.2.3.3.2.2 and 9.2.4.2.2.2
Diet kitchens (containing no open flame) should be in compliance with the interpretation for
pantries as stated under regulation 3.1.
If distribution boards are located in an identifiable space having a deck area of less than 4 m2,
this space may be categorized in (7), according to regulation 9.2.2.3.2.2, or (5), according to
regulations 9.2.2.4.2.2, 9.2.3.3.2.2 and 9.2.4.2.2.2.
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C 9.2.2.4.5 Construction and arrangements of saunas
The space categories mentioned in regulation 9.2.2.3.4.1 should be replaced, when applying this
regulation, by (5), (7) and (10).
If distribution boards are located in an identifiable space having a deck area of less than 4 m2,
this space may be categorized in (7), according to regulation 9.2.2.3.2.2, or (5), according to
regulations 9.2.2.4.2.2, 9.2.3.3.2.2 and 9.2.4.2.2.2.
The space categories mentioned in regulation 9.2.2.3.4.1 should be replaced, when applying this
regulation, to categories (5), (7) and (10).
The required protection of stairways penetrating more than a single deck can be achieved by:
.1 a stairway enclosure allowing access from one stair to a superimposed stair within such
enclosure, the entrances to which should consist self-closing "A" class fire doors at each
deck level (see figure 1 of regulation 9.2.3.4.1 in the appendix); or
.2 a stairway enclosure enclosing the stairs only, in combination with self-closing "A" class
fire doors at each deck-level and at each end of a stair. No requirements apply to the
stairs except that they should be of steel frame structure or be made of equivalent
material (see figure 2.1 of regulation 9.2.3.4.1 in the appendix); or
.3 stairways that penetrate only one single deck should be protected, at a minimum, at
one level by at least “B-0” class division and self-closing doors (see figure 2.2 of
regulation 9.2.3.4.1 in the appendix).
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C 9.2.3.4.1 Construction of dumb-waiters
Dumb-waiters are to be regarded as lifts.
Reference is made to resolution A.753(18) – Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on
ships.
C 9.3.4 Prevention of heat transmission by insulation and structural details for drainage
Alternative details may be accepted provided that the effectiveness of such design is verified
by an appropriate test in the same manner as those specified in the FTP Code.
2 In the case where the lower part of insulation has to be cut for drainage, the construction
should be in accordance with the structural details as given in figure 3 for regulation 9.3.4 in
the appendix.
C 9.4.1.1.2 Doors in divisions of a higher standard and fire testing of watertight doors
1 Where required divisions are replaced by divisions of a higher standard, the door need only
conform to the required division.
2 Watertight doors constructed in accordance with SOLAS regulation II-1/15 and fitted
below the bulkhead deck that are required to be watertight need not be tested to the FTP Code
provided that the doors meet the requirements for water tightness in SOLAS regulation
II-1/18. Doors fitted above the bulkhead deck, which are required to meet both the fire
protection and watertight requirements (see MSC/Circ.541), should be tested to the FTP Code.
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C 9.4.1.1.4.6 Lift door indicators located in continuously manned central control station
.1 the signal showing that "A" class lift doors are in the closed position should be
activated only when the order to close the main fire doors has been given by the
continuously manned central control station; and
.2 when there are several lifts giving access to the same stairway, the lift door indicators
located in the continuously manned central control station should be capable of
indicating that all the lift doors giving access to the same landing are properly closed.
This indication should be shown on the panel.
ISO 614:1989 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Toughened safety glass panes for
rectangular windows and side scuttles - Punch method of non-destructive
strength testing
ISO 1095:1989 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Toughened safety glass panes for side
scuttles
ISO 1751:1993 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Ship's side scuttles
ISO 3254:1989 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Toughened safety glass panes for
rectangular windows
ISO 3903:1993 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Ships' ordinary rectangular windows
ISO 3904:1990 Shipbuilding and marine structures - Clear view screens
The term “free sectional area” means, even in the case of a pre-insulated duct, the area
calculated on the basis of the inner diameter of the duct.
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C 9.7.4.3 Ventilation system penetrating decks
A duct, irrespective of its cross section, serving more than one tweendeck should be fitted,
near the penetration of each deck served, with a fire or smoke damper.
Such dampers should close automatically by means of a fusible link or other suitable device,
and manually from the deck in which the passage of smoke, due to a fire in the deck
immediately below which is served by the same duct, will be avoided.
Where, within a main vertical zone, a fan serves more than one tweendeck through separate ducts,
each of these dedicated to a single tweendeck, each duct should be provided with a manually
operated smoke damper fitted close to the fan.
C 9.7.5.1.2 Meaning of “lower end of the duct” and “upper end of the duct” in galley range ducts
1 “Lower end of the duct” means a position at the junction between the duct and the galley
range hood. (See also interpretation of regulation 41-2.4.3.2.)
2 “Upper end of the duct” means a position close to the outlet of the duct.
C 9.7.5.1.5 Location of hatches for inspection and cleaning in galley range ducts
1 One hatch should be provided close to the exhaust fan.
2 In the galley exhaust duct, the grease will accumulate more in the lower end. Therefore,
hatches should be fitted also in this part of the duct.
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C 10.4.3 Storage rooms for fire-extinguishing medium
The following requirements are applicable only for the storage rooms for fire-extinguishing
media of fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems:
.1 the storage room should be used for no other purposes (last part of the first
sentence*);
.2 if the storage space is located below deck, it should be located no more than one deck
below the open deck and should be directly accessible by a stairway or ladder from
the open deck (3rd sentence);
.3 spaces which are located below deck or spaces where access from the open deck is
not provided, should be fitted with a mechanical ventilation system designed to take
exhaust air from the bottom of the space and should be sized to provide at least 6 air
changes per hour (4th sentence); and
.4 access doors should open outwards, and bulkheads and decks including doors and
other means of closing any opening therein, which form the boundaries between such
rooms and adjacent enclosed spaces should be gas tight (5th sentence).
- The 45 l foam type extinguisher or its equivalent may be arranged outside of the space
concerned.
Hot surfaces such as exhaust pipes without insulation or with insulation likely to be removed
frequently for maintenance and high-pressure fuel oil systems installed nearby the hot surfaces
should be protected.
The term “insulation likely to be removed frequently” means insulation fitted in accordance
with the requirements of regulation 4.2.2.6.1, but which might not be secured firmly because it
may be removed frequently for periodic maintenance, such as pipes between cylinders and
exhaust manifold.
For typical diesel engines, the area on top of the engine, fuel oil injection pumps and turbo
chargers should be protected. Where the fuel oil injection pumps are located in sheltered
position such as under the steel platform, the pump need not be protected by the system.
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C 10.5.6.3.2 Definition of areas to be protected by local application systems (boiler fronts)
The area around the burners without insulation or with insulation likely to be removed
frequently for maintenance should be protected. The term “insulation likely to be removed
frequently” means insulation fitted in accordance with the requirements of regulation
4.2.2.6.1, but which might not be secured firmly because it may be removed frequently for
periodic maintenance.
Oil-fired inert gas generators should be also protected in the same manner.
C 10.7.1.3 Cargo spaces for which a fixed fire-extinguishing system is ineffective and reference to
MSC/Circ.671
For cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective and for which a fire-
extinguishing system giving equivalent protection should be available, reference is made to
MSC/Circ.671, annex, and table 2.
1 If an aluminium deck is tested with insulation installed below the deck, then the result will
apply to decks, which are bare on the top. Aluminium decks may not be provided with deck
coverings on the top unless tested with the deck covering, to verify that the 200°C temperature
of the aluminium is not exceeded. However, when needed, any approved primary deck
covering (not specifically the one used during the standard fire test of the deck) may be used
for meeting this requirement.
2 When spaces of categories (1) to (10) in regulation 9.2.2.3 or of categories (1) to (5) and
(10) in regulation 9.2.2.4 are located on top of aluminium decks, the deck does not need to be
insulated from the upper side, provided the deck is protected by an approved deck covering.
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C 11.6.2.2 Area classification and selection of electrical equipment
1 Areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on open deck, within 3 m of cargo tank
ventilation outlets which permit the flow of small volumes of vapor, air or inert gas mixtures
caused by thermal variation are defined as Zone 1. Permitted electrical equipment:
- Certified safe type equipment for Zone 1.
2 Areas within 2 m beyond the zone specified in 1 above are defined as Zone 2. Permitted
electrical equipment:
- Certified safe type equipment for Zone 1,
- Equipment of a type, which ensures the absence of sparks, “hot spots” during its
normal operation,
- Equipment having an enclosure filled with a liquid dielectric, the application, or
encapsulated,
- Pressurised equipment,
- Equipment specifically designed for Zone 2 (for example type “n” protection in
accordance with IEC Publication 60079-15).
Note: Zones 1 and 2 are those defined in IEC Publication IEC 60092 Electrical installations in
ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features.
C 11.6.2.2 Electrical equipment in areas next to cargo tank ventilation outlets which permit flow of
small volumes of vapour
.1 Areas on open deck within 3 m of cargo tank ventilation outlets which permit the flow
of small volumes of vapour caused by thermal variation:
- certified safe type equipment.
.2 Areas 2 m beyond the zone specified in .1 above:
- certified safe type equipment; or
- equipment of a type which ensures absence of sparks or arcs and absence of
ignition capable surface during normal operation; or
- equipment specifically designed for Zone 2 as defined in IEC Publication 60092
Electrical installations in ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features.
Direct access to escape stairway enclosures is only intended for those areas of an
accommodation space as defined in regulation 3.39 for public spaces. Portions of an
accommodation space that serve a purpose different than that of a public space such as theatre
backstage areas, should not have direct access to escape stairway enclosures.
The stairway arrangement required by regulation 13.3.2.4.1 for below bulkhead deck
compartments of one main vertical zone can be arranged by:
- one enclosed stairway which provides a continuous fire shelter from the level of its origin
to the embarkation deck in one watertight compartment;
- each of the other compartments have an enclosed stairway which provides a continuous
fire shelter from the level of its origin to the bulkhead deck; and
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- the continuous fire shelter is also provided on the bulkhead deck through a route protected
as a category 2 space (horizontal stairway).
In applying this interpretation, the content of regulation 13.3.2.1.1 should also be taken into
account.
Such enclosed means of escape should be sized taking into account the total number of
persons at each level of the atrium considered.
1 The escape routes are routes for escape and also for access. Accordingly, the locking
arrangement should be such that it does not obstruct these two objectives (escape and access).
Doors along any designated escape routes which require keys to unlock them when moving in
the direction of escape should not be permitted.
2 The embarkation deck should be accessible from the open decks to which escapes routes
lead.
Ladders having strings of flexible steel wire ropes are not acceptable in such escape routes.
Ladders having strings of flexible steel wire ropes are not acceptable in such escape routes.
The escape (and access) routes should be so arranged to ensure safe escape also during loading
and unloading such as indication of escape lane on deck with minimum clearance of 600 mm
in width.
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G 19.3.1 Water supplies for open-top container spaces in ships
1 The water spray system required in paragraphs 9.2, 9.3 and 9.4 of MSC/Circ.608/Rev.1 -
Interim guidelines for open-top container ships - will also satisfy the requirement for dangerous
goods.
2 The amount of water required for fire-fighting purposes in the largest hold should allow
simultaneous use of the water spray system plus four jets of water from hose nozzles.
G 19.3.4 Ventilation requirements for individual cargoes and open-top container cargo holds
1 General
If adjacent spaces are not separated from cargo spaces by gastight bulkheads or decks, ventilation
requirements should apply as for the cargo space itself, required under regulation 19.3.4.2 and its
interpretations.
.1 Cargoes liable to give off vapours or gases which can form an explosive mixture
with air (See the BC Code, Appendix B, e.g. IMO Class 4.3 materials):
Two separate fans should be permanently fitted or being of a portable type adapted
for being permanently fitted prior to loading and during voyage. The fans should be
either explosion proof or arranged such that the escaping gas flow is separated from
electrical cables and components. The total ventilation should be at least six air
changes per hour, based upon the empty space. Ventilation should be such that any
escaping gases cannot reach living spaces on or under deck.
.2 Cargoes liable to spontaneous combustion (only applicable to seed cake (b) and (c)):
Two separate fans should be permanently fitted or being of a portable type adapted
for being permanently fitted prior to loading and during voyage. The fans should be
either explosion proof or arranged such that the escaping gas flow is separated from
electrical cables and components. The total ventilation should be at least six air
changes per hour, based upon the empty space. Ventilation should be such that any
escaping gases cannot reach living spaces on or under deck.
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Power ventilation should be required only for the lower part of the cargo hold for which purpose
ducting is required. The ventilation capacity should be at least two air changes per hour, based on
the empty hold volume below weather deck.
G 19.3.4.2 Degree of protection of exhaust fans and use of wire mesh guards
1 Exhaust fans should be of non-sparking type in accordance with IACS Requirement F 29,
as revised.
2 The purpose of "suitable wire mesh guards" is to prevent foreign objects from entering into
the fan casing. The standard wire mesh guards should have a size of 13 mm x 13 mm.
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G 20.3.1.4.2 Arrangement and construction of ventilation ducts on cargo ships
Ventilation ducts should not pass through machinery spaces of category A unless fire insulated to
A-60 standard.
G 20.4.1 Arrangements for disconnecting detector sections during loading and unloading
The smoke detector sections in vehicle, special category, and ro-ro spaces may be provided with
an arrangement, (e.g. a timer) for disconnecting detector sections during loading and unloading of
vehicles to avoid "false" alarms. The time of disconnection should be adapted to the time of
loading/unloading. The central unit should indicate whether the detector sections are
disconnected or not.
However, manual call points should not be capable of being disconnected by the arrangements
referred to above.
G 20.6.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers on weather decks used as ro-ro cargo space
The requirements set out in this regulation need not to be applied to weather decks used as
ro-ro cargo spaces.
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Chapter Paragraph
3 2.1.1.4 Personal Equipment
Reference is made to IEC Publication 60079- Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas
Atmospheres.
4 -- Fire Extinguishers
Reference is made to resolution A.951(23) - improved Guidelines for marine portable fire
extinguishers, as amended by resolution A.951(23).
Reference is made to the international standard on fire protection equipment - portable fire
extinguisher - performance and construction, to be developed by ISO (ISO/DIS 7156E).
Two spaces can be considered as separated spaces where fire divisions as required by
regulations 9.2.2, 9.2.3 and 9.2.4, as appropriate, or divisions of steel are provided between
them.
Means for checking the quantity of medium in containers should be so arranged that it is not
necessary to move the containers completely from their fixing position. This is achieved, for
instance, by providing hanging bars above each bottle row for a weighing device or by using
suitable surface indicators.
5 2.1.3.2 Certain spaces for which the automatic warning of release of the extinguishing medium
is required
Ordinary cargo holds need not comply with regulation 2.1.3.2. However, ro-ro cargo spaces,
holds in container ships equipped for integrated reefer containers and other spaces where
personnel can be expected to enter and where the access is therefore facilitated by doors or
manway hatches should comply with the above regulation.
.
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Interpretation or reference
Chapter Paragraph
5 2.2 Low pressure CO2 systems
Where a low pressure CO2 system is fitted to comply with this regulation, the following
applies:
1 The system control devices and the refrigerating plants should be located within the same
room where the pressure vessels are stored.
2 The rated amount of liquid carbon dioxide should be stored in vessel(s) under the
working pressure in the range of 1.8 to 2.2 N/mm2. The normal liquid charge in the container
should be limited to provide sufficient vapour space to allow for expansion of the liquid
under the maximum storage temperatures than can be obtained corresponding to the setting
of the pressure relief valves but should not exceed 95% of the volumetric capacity of the
container.
4 The two safety relief valves should be arranged so that either valve can be shut off while
the other is connected to the vessel. The setting of the relief valves should not be less than
1.1 times working pressure. The capacity of each valve should be such that the vapours
generated under fire condition can be discharged with a pressure rise not more than 20%
above the setting pressure. The discharge from the safety valves should be led to the open.
5 The vessel(s) and outgoing pipes permanently filled with carbon dioxide should have
thermal insulation preventing the operation of the safety valve in 24 hours after
de-energizing the plant, at ambient temperature of 45oC and an initial pressure equal to the
starting pressure of the refrigeration unit.
7 The refrigerating capacity and the automatic control of each unit should be so as to
maintain the required temperature under conditions of continuous operation during 24 hours
at sea temperatures up to 32oC and ambient air temperatures up to 45oC.
8 Each electric refrigerating unit should be supplied from the main switchboard busbars by
a separate feeder.
9 Cooling water supply to the refrigerating plant (where required) should be provided from
at least two circulating pumps one of which being used as a stand-by. The stand-by pump
may be a pump used for other services so long as its use for cooling would not interfere with
any other essential service of the ship. Cooling water should be taken from not less than two
sea connections, preferably one port and one starboard.
10 Safety relief devices should be provided in each section of pipe that may be isolated by
block valves and in which there could be a build-up of pressure in excess of the design
pressure of any of the components.
11 The piping system should be designed in such a way that the CO2 pressure at the nozzles
should not be less than 1 N/mm2.
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12 Audible and visual alarms should be given in a central control station when:
- the pressure in the vessel(s) reaches the low and high values according to 2;
- any one of the refrigerating units fails to operate;
- the lowest permissible level of the liquid in the vessels is reached.
13 If the system serves more than one space, means for control of discharge quantities of
CO2 should be provided, e.g. automatic timer or accurate level indicators located at the
control position(s).
14 If a device is provided which automatically regulates the discharge of the rated quantity
of carbon dioxide into the protected spaces, it should be also possible to regulate the
discharge manually.
An indication of areas for which increased application rates may be required is given below:
Protected Area Application rate
Boiler fronts or roof, firing
areas, oil fuel units, 20 l/min/m2
centrifugal separators (not
oily water separators), oil
purifiers, and clarifiers.
For the definition of "dry pipe system" see resolution A.800(19), Annex, paragraph 2.3.
Nominal area is defined as being the gross, horizontal projection of the area to be covered.
Loop means electrical circuit linking detectors of various sections in a sequence and
connected (input and output) to the indicating unit(s).
Zone address identification capability means a system with individually identifiable fire
detectors.
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Chapter Paragraph
9 2.1.3 Testing of detectors within cold spaces
Detectors installed within cold spaces such as refrigerated compartments should be tested
according to IEC Publication 60068-2-1 - Section one - Test Aa.
Depending on the capacity of the fans and the length of system piping the maximum
response time of the fans in combination with the system piping should be around 15 s.
12 2.2.2.1 Heating of diesel driven power sources and other means of starting
1 If the room for the diesel driven power source is not heated, the diesel driven power
source for the pump should be fitted with electric heating of cooling water or lubricating oil.
2 The other means of starting include those by compressed air, electricity, or other sources
of stored energy, hydraulic power or starting cartridges.
If landings can be entered directly via entrance doors, situated in stairway enclosures, the
area of such landings should comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.4 of chapter 13.
However, if landings cannot be entered by entrance doors, such landings should be
considered as intermediate landings which should comply with the capacity requirements as
given in paragraph 2.3.1 of chapter 13.
A common line for fire main and deck foam line can only be accepted provided it can be
demonstrated that the hose nozzles can be effectively controlled by one person when
supplied from the common line at a pressure needed for operation of the monitors.
Additional foam concentrate should be provided for operation of 2 nozzles for the same
period of time required for the foam system. The simultaneous use of the minimum required
jets of water should be possible on deck over the full length of the ship, in the
accommodation, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces.
Port and starboard monitors required by this regulation may be located in the cargo area as
defined in regulation 3.6, provided they are aft of cargo tanks and that they protect below
and aft of each other.
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Chapter Paragraph
15 2.3.2.7 Arrangements for isolation of inert gas supply mains and cargo piping systems
As a guide, the effective isolation required by this paragraph may be achieved by the two
arrangements shown in figures 1 and 2 of chapter 15 and paragraph 2.3.2.7 in the Appendix
of this circular.
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FTP Code, 5.1.6.5 For cases where an unsuccessful test had been conducted prior to the final approval
Approval test, the fire test report should include a description of the modifications made to the
test specimen that resulted in the successful test.
FTP Code, 5.2.4 Type approval certificates for windows should state which side of the window was
Approval exposed to the heating condition during the test.
The certificate should include a reference to optional test(s) such as hose stream test
and/or thermo radiation test.
Non-combustibility test
FTP Code, 2.1 The test exposure need not exceed a 30 min duration.
Annex 1
Part 1 For the purposes of this Part, ISO 1182:2002 may be used in lieu of ISO 1182:1990.
FTP Code, 2.6.2 Not only the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer) method but also other
Annex 1 methods such as GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer) which can
Part 2 produce traceable results can be used for the gas analysis.
Test for “A”, “B”, and “F” class divisions including windows, fire dampers, pipe penetrations and cable transits
FTP Code, 2.1 "B" class doors should be fire tested in B class steel bulkheads of dimensions as stated
Annex 1 2.6.2.2 in paragraph 2.4.1 of resolution A.754(18), otherwise approval should be limited to
Part 3 the type of construction in which the door was tested.
Resolution
A.754(18),
FTP Code, 2.2.1 The minimum bulkhead panel height should be a standard height of the manufactured
Annex 1 panel with a dimension of 2.4 mm.
Part 3
FTP Code, 3.1 The calcium silicate board described as a dummy specimen specified in paragraph 3.3
Annex 1 Part 3 of resolution A.653(16) should be used as a standard substrate for adhesives.
FTP Code, 4.1 Sealing materials used in penetration systems for “A” class divisions are not required
Annex 1 to meet non-combustibility criteria provided that all other applicable requirements of
Part 3 FTP Code, part 3, are met.
Resolution 1.2 The thickness of insulation on the stiffeners need not be same as that of the steel plate.
A. 754(18)
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Resolution 1.7 "B" class constructions should be tested without finishes. For constructions where this
A.754(18) is not possible, finishes should be included in the non-combustibility test of the
construction.
Resolution 2.8.2 Where testing is conducted on a perforated ceiling system, equally constructed
A.754(18) non-perforated ceilings and ceilings with a lesser degree of perforations (in terms of
size, shape, and perforations per unit area) may be approved without further testing.
Resolution 9 There exist no expectations that “A” and “B” class fire doors remain functional, in the
A.754(18) ability to be opened/closed, during or after the specified test duration.
Resolution 2.1 The test should be conducted on a window of the maximum size (in terms of both the
A.754(18), height and the width) and the type of the glass pane and/or the minimum thickness of
Appendix A.I the glass pane or panes and gaps, if appropriate, for which approval is sought. Test
Windows results obtained on this configuration should, by analogy, allow approval of windows
of the same type, with lesser dimensions in terms of height and width and with the
same or greater thickness.
Resolution 5.3 The window should be considered to have failed the hose-stream test if an opening
A.754(18), develops that allows an observable projection of water from the stream beyond the
Appendix A.I unexposed surface during the hose stream test. Gap gauges need not be applied during
Windows or after the hose stream test.
Resolution 2.2.4 The distance between the fire damper and the structural core specified in
A.754(18), paragraph 2.2.4 means the distance between the fire damper centre and the structural
Appendix A.II core.
Fire dampers
Resolution 4 If evaluation of insulation is required, it should prevent a temperature rise at any point
A.754(18), on the surface not exceeding 180°C above the initial temperature. The average
Appendix A.II temperature rise is not relevant.
Fire dampers
Resolution 4.1 Penetrations and transits should meet both integrity and insulation criteria.
A.754(18),
Appendix A.III
Pipe and duct
penetrations
Resolution 4.1 Penetrations and transits should meet both integrity and insulation criteria.
A.754(18),
Appendix A.IV
Cable transits
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Resolution 7.3 Vapour barriers used in conjunction with insulation should be tested without any other
A.653(16) components of “A” or “B” class constructions that will shield the barrier being tested
from the radiant panel.
Resolution 8.3.1 In the first line of the first sentence, the word “or” should read “of”'.
A.653(16)
Resolution 10 The sentence should be understood to mean: “Materials giving average values for all
A.653(16) of the surface flammability criteria as listed in the following table ... (etc.)."
Qsb means an average of three values of average heat for sustained burning, as defined
in paragraph 9.3.
FTP Code, 2.1 For the purpose of this part, the total heat release value (Qt) for floor coverings given
Annex 1 in section 10 of the annex to resolution A.653(16) is replaced by ≤ 2.0 MJ.
Part 6
FTP Code, 2.2 Fire test procedure
Annex 1 The test may be terminated after 40 min.
Part 6
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APPENDIX
EXPLANATORY SKETCHES
Regulation 5.3 and 6.2: Materials used on passenger ships for bulkheads of
accommodation spaces as defined in regulation 3.1 (table)
Chapter 15 paragraph 2.3.2.7: Isolation arrangements in inert gas main (figures 1 and 2)
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Diagonal plate
across the corner
open deck
safe space
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Regulations 5.3 and 6.2: Materials used on passenger ships for bulkheads of accommodation
spaces as defined in regulation II-2/3.1
Bulkhead Plate Materials used for bulkheads of accommodation spaces as defined in regulation II-2/3.1
Requirements in SOLAS chapter II-2 for components
1
Non- Calorific Equivalent Low flame Smoke
Bulkhead components combustible value volume spread production,
material toxic
2 (5.3.1.1) (5.3.2.2) (5.3.2.3) (5.3.2.4)* products
(5.3.1.2.1) (6.2)
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
3
1 moulding X
2 wall panel (lining) X
4
3 grounds and X
supports
5 4 draft stops X
6** 5 insulation X
6 insulation surface** X
7
(5.3.2.4.1.2)
8** 7 decoration X
9 8 painted surface** -- X
or (5.3.2.4.1.2)
fabric or veneer** X X
(5.3.2.4.1.2)
9 painted surface -- X X X
or (5.3.2.4.1.1)
10 fabric or veneer X X X X
Deck (5.3.2.4.1.1)
10 skirting board X
NOTES:
* Exposed surfaces of corridors and stairway enclosures referred to in regulation II-2/5.3.2.4.1.1
includes floor coverings.
** Where the wall panel is an integral part of the fire insulation in accordance with
regulation II-2/9.2.2.3.3, these components are to be of non-combustible material.
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Figure 1
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Regulation 9.3.4: Prevention of heat transmission by insulation and structural details for
drainage*
d d d
450 mm
Figure 1
450 mm
Bulkhead, Bulkhead,
450 mm
Figure 2
lining
≤ 100 mm deck
450 mm
Figure 3
*Note:
d = Depth of stiffener on girder.
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Machinery ↓
spaces
SOLAS
paragraph → 10.5.1.1, 10.5.1.2.1 10.5.1.2.2 10.5.2.2.2 10.5.1.2.2 10.5.2.2.2 10.5.2.2.2
10.5.2.1 10.5.2.2.1
Internal combustion
machinery 1 1 x - y -
Internal combustion
machinery and oil 1 1 x - y -
fuel units
Combined engine/boiler room containing:
Internal combustion
machinery, oil fired
boilers and oil fuel (2N+2) or x 1*4 y*5 N
units 1 1 whichever is greater
N = number of firing spaces.
“2N” means that two extinguishers are to be located in each firing space.
X = sufficient number, minimum two in each space, so located that there are at least one portable fire extinguisher within 10 m
walking distance from any point.
y = sufficient number to enable foam to be directed onto any part of the fuel lubricating oil pressure systems, gearing and other
fire hazard.
Notes:
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ECS
HST ECS
4th deck
2nd deck
WT
1st deck
2 P 1 bottom deck
Figure
NOTES:
ECS: stairway enclosed in a continuous fire shelter
HST: “horizontal stairway”; route protected as a category 2 space
MVZ: main vertical zone
WTB: watertight bulkhead
WTC: watertight compartment
WTD: watertight door
P: group of persons
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CARGO PIPING
NON
RETURN
VALVE
VENTING
Figure 1
CARGO PIPING
SPOOL PIECE
Figure 2
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