14 FIRE SAFETY
14.1 Protection of spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks or lockers storing such fuels
14.1.1 Special consideration should be given to safe conditions of carriage of petrol and other highly flammable liquids either in hand portable containers/tanks or in the tanks of vehicles (such as personal water craft, motor cars and helicopters) which may be transported. This is not considered applicable to diesel stowage.
14.1.2 The quantity of petrol and/or other highly flammable liquids carried should be kept to a minimum, up to 150 litres maximum.
14.1.3 Containers used for the carriage of flammable liquids should be constructed to a recognised standard appropriate to the contents and each container clearly marked to indicate its contents
14.1.4 Small lockers on open deck for the stowage of hand portable containers of petrol should be located away from high risk area, have no electrical fittings, and be provided with the following:-
1. Natural ventilation openings top and bottom.
2. Drainage leading overboard.
3. Means of securing the fuel containers.
4. A facility to boundary cool the locker.
14.1.5 Enclosed spaces, and larger lockers on open deck , designated for the safe carriage of petrol or similar fuel or vehicles with fuel in their tanks should be fitted with:-
.1 a manual water spray system giving a coverage of 3.5 ltr/m 2 /minute over the total area of deck which may be taken from the fire main with the isolating valve located outside the garage. An equivalent arrangement may be considered. Adequate provision should be made for drainage of water introduced to the space. This should not lead to machinery or other spaces where a source of ignition may exist.
.2 A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of SOLAS regulations II-2/Part A. The system within the space should also comply with 14.1.5.5.
.3 A ducted mechanical continuous supply of air ventilation, which is isolated from other ventilated spaces, should provide at least 6 air changes per hour (based on the empty space) and for which reduction of the airflow should be signalled by an audible and visual alarm on the navigating bridge and at the "in port" control station(s). Exhaust ducting should be arranged to include the area low over the bilge. If the fan motors are located in the space or in the ventilation duct they should be certified safe to the correct designation for the flammable liquid. The ventilation fans should be of a non-sparking type and the ventilation system should be capable of rapid shut down and effective closure in event of fire.
.4 A gas detection system is to be provided, with audible and visual alarm in the wheelhouse and where it may always be observed by the crew.
.5 All electrical equipment located up to 450 mm above the deck should be certified safe for petrol vapours. Electrical equipment located higher than 450 mm above the deck should either,
(a) be to [IP55] standard of construction (BSEN 60529:1992), or,
(b) provided with easily accessible means of isolation (on all poles) located outside the space. These isolators should be grouped together as far as practicable and be clearly marked. This option should not be used for safety systems such as steering motors, rudder indicators, etc.
.6 Regardless of the height of installation it is considered that the following equipment located within the space should be certified safe for the flammable vapours:-
(a) gas detection system
(b) bilge alarm
(c) fire detection system
(d) one light fitting (possibly emergency)
It should be noted that electrical equipment includes starters, distribution boxes, etc
14.2 Miscellaneous
14.2.1 Construction and arrangement of saunas
14.2.1.1 The perimeter of the sauna should be of "A" class boundaries and may include changing rooms, showers and toilets. The sauna should be insulated to A-60 for vessels of 500 GT and over, and A-30 for vessels under 500 GT, against other spaces except those inside of the perimeter.
14.2.1.2 Bathrooms with direct access to saunas may be considered as part of them. In such cases, the door between sauna and the bathroom need not comply with fire safety requirements.
14.2.1.3 Wooden linings on bulkheads and ceilings are permitted. The ceiling above the oven should be lined with a non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 mm. The distance from the hot surfaces to combustible materials should be at least 500 mm or the combustible materials should be protected (e.g. non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 mm).
14.2.1.4 Wooden benches are permitted.
14.2.1.5 The sauna door should open outwards by pushing.
14.2.1.6 Electrically heated ovens should be provided with a timer.
14.2.1.7 All spaces within the perimeter of the sauna are to be protected by a fire detection and alarm system and an automatic sprinkler system.
14.2.2 Construction and arrangement of Thermal Suite (e.g. Steam Room).
14.2.2.1 The perimeter of the thermal suite may include changing rooms, showers and toilets.
14.2.2.2 Bathrooms with direct access to suite may be considered as part of it. In such cases, the door between suite and the bathroom need not comply with fire safety requirements.
14.2.2.3 If the steam generator is contained within the perimeter, the suite boundary should be constructed to an A-0 standard. If the steam generator is not contained within the perimeter then the boundaries of the space should be constructed of B-0 class divisions, and the steam generator should be protected by A-0 standard divisions.
14.2.2.4 If a suite arrangement contains a sauna then the requirements contained in 14.2.1 are applicable, regardless of the steam generator location.
14.2.2.5 All spaces within the perimeter are to be protected by a fire detection and alarm system and an automatic sprinkler.
14.2.3 [Deep Fat Fryers - IMO Circular]
14.3 Fire Control Plan(s)
14.3.1 A fire control (general arrangement) plan(s) should be permanently exhibited for the guidance of the Master and crew of the vessel. The content of the plan(s) should adequately show and describe the principal fire prevention and protection equipment and materials. As far as practical, symbols used on the plans should comply with a recognised international standard. The fire control plan may be a combined Fire & Safety Plan, which should show the positions of stowage of the life-saving and fire appliances
14.3.2 For each deck, the plan(s) should show the position of control stations; sections of the vessel which are enclosed respectively by "A" class divisions and "B" class divisions; location of flammable liquid storage (see 14.1.); particulars of and locations of fire alarms, fire detection systems, sprinkler installations, fixed and portable fire extinguishing appliances; fireman's outfit(s); means of access and emergency escapes for compartments and decks; locations and means of control of systems and openings which should be closed down in a fire emergency.
14.3.3 The plan(s) required by 14.3.1 should be kept up to date. Up-dating alterations should be applied to all copies of the plan(s) without delay. Each plan should include a list of alterations and the date on which each alteration was applied.
14.3.4 A duplicate set of the plan(s) should be permanently stored in a prominently marked weathertight enclosure readily accessible to assist non-vessel fire-fighting personnel who may board the vessel in a fire emergency.
14.3.5 Instructions valid to the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installations onboard for the fighting and containment of fire should be kept in one document holder, readily available in an accessible location.
English Certificates - Sommaire - Suite