Section 2 Structural Fire Protection

201. Classification of space use and structural fire protection times 【See Guidance】

The application for Table 7.1.1 and Table 7.1.2 specifying the structural fire protection times for separating bulkheads and decks is to be in accordance with the following grouping of space use. However, the title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restricted.

(1) Areas of major fire hazard include the following spaces:

- Machinery spaces

- Spaces containing dangerous goods

- Special category spaces and ro-ro spaces

- Store-rooms containing flammable liquids

- Galleys

- Sales shops having a deck area of 50 m or greater and containing flammable liquids for sale

- Trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.

(2) Areas of moderate fire hazard include the following spaces:

- Auxiliary machinery spaces, as defined in 102. 3.

- Bond stores containing packaged beverages with alcohol content not exceeding 24 % by vol- ume

- Service spaces

- Crew accommodations containing sleeping berths

- Sales shops having a deck area of less than 50 m containing a limited amount of flammable liquids for sale and where no dedicated store is provided separately

- Sales shops having a deck area of 50 m or greater not containing flammable liquids

- Trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.

(3) Areas of minor fire hazard include the following spaces: 【See Guidance】

- Auxiliary machinery spaces, as defined in 102. 4.

- Cargo spaces

- Fuel tank compartments

- Public spaces and refreshment kiosks 【See Guidance】

- Tanks, voids and areas of little or no fire risk

- Sales shops other than those specified in (1) and (2)

- Corridors in passenger areas and stairway enclosures

- Crew accommodation other than that mentioned in above (2)

- Trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.

(4) Control stations are as defined in 102. 6.

(5) Evacuation stations and external escape routes include the following areas:

- External stairs and open decks used for escape routes

- Muster stations, internal and external

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- Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades forming lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and low- ering stations

- The craft's side to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, superstructure and deck-

house sides situated below and adjacent to liferaft`s and evacuation slide`s embarkation areas

(6) Open spaces include the following areas:

- Open space locations other than evacuation stations and external escape routes and control

stations.

Table 7.1.1 Structural

Craft

Fire Protection Times for Separating Bulkheads and Deck of Passenger

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Table 7.1.2 Structural Fire Protection Times for Separating Bulkheads and Deck of Cargo Craft

1,2 1

1,8 1 1

1,7,9

202. Structure

1. The requirements below apply to all craft irrespective of construction material. The structural protection times for separating bulkheads and decks are to be in accordance with Table 7.1.1

fire and

7.1.2, and the structural fire protection times are all based on providing protection for a period of

60 minutes as referred to in 4.8.1 of HSC code. If any other lesser structural fire protection time is determined for category A craft and cargo craft by 4.8.1 of HSC code, than the times given in

203. 2 and 3 may be amended pro-rata. In no case should the structural fire protection time be less than 30 minutes. 【See Guidance】

2. The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks, deckhouses and pillars are to be constructed of approved non-combustible materials having adequate structural properties. The use of other fire-re- stricting materials may be permitted as in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

203. Fire-resisting divisions 【See Guidance】

1. Areas of major and moderate fire hazard are to be enclosed by fire-resisting divisions except where the omission of any such division would not affect the safety of the craft. These requirements need not apply to those parts of the structure in contact with water at the lightweight condition, but due regard is to be given to the effect of temperature of hull in contact with water and to heat transfer from any uninsulated structure in contact with water to the insulated structure above water.

2. Fire resisting bulkheads and decks are to be constructed to resist exposure to the standard fire test for a period of 30 minutes in areas of moderate fire hazard, and for 60 minutes in areas of major fire hazards except as provided in 202. 1.

3. Main load-carrying structures within major and moderate fire hazard areas are to be arranged to distribute load such that there will be no collapse of the construction of the hull and superstructure when it is exposed to fire during the appropriate fire protection time. The load-carrying structure is also to comply with the requirements of Par 4 and 5 below.

4. If the structures specified in Par 2 are made of aluminium alloy, their installation is to be such that the temperature of the core does not rise more than 200 ℃ above the ambient temperature in

accordance with the times given in 202. 1 and 203. 2.

5. If the structures specified in Par 3 are made of combustible material, their installation is to be such that their temperatures will not rise to a level where deterioration of the construction will oc- cur during exposure to the composite standard fire test to such an extent that the load-carrying ca-

pability, in accordance with the times given in 202. 1 and 203. 2, will be impaired.

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6. The construction of all doors, and door frames in fire-resisting divisions, with the means of secur- ing them when closed, is to provide resistance to fire as well as to the passage of smoke and flame equivalent to that of the bulkheads in which they are situated. Watertight doors of steel need

not be insulated. Where

a fire-resisting division is penetrated by pipes, ducts, controls, electrical ca-

bles or for other purposes, arrangements and necessary testing are to be made to ensure that the fire-resisting integrity of the division is not impaired. 【See Guidance】

204. Restricted use of combustible materials

1. All separating divisions, ceilings or linings if not a fire-resisting division, are to be of non-combus- tible or fire-restricting materials.

2. Where insulation is installed in areas in which it could come into contact with any flammable flu- ids or their vapours, its surface is to be impermeable to such flammable fluids or vapours. The ex- posed surfaces of vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation materials are to have low flame-spread characteristics.

3. Furniture and furnishings in public spaces and crew accommodation are to comply with the follow- ing standards:

(1) All case furniture is to be constructed of approved non-combustible or fire-restricting materials, except that a combustible veneer with a calorific value not exceeding 45 MJ m may be used on the exposed surface of such articles;

(2) All other furniture such as chairs, sofas and tables are to be constructed with frames of non- combustible or fire-restricting materials;

(3) All draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials are to be of approved materials and

have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame.

(4) All upholstered furniture and all bedding components are to be of approved materials and have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame.

(5) All deck finish materials are of approved materials.

4. The following surfaces are, as a minimum standard, to be constructed of materials having low flame- spread characteristics 【See Guidance】

(1) Exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures, and of bulkheads, wall and ceiling linings in all accommodation and service spaces and control stations,

(2) Concealed or inaccessible spaces in accommodation, service spaces and control stations.

5. Any thermal and acoustic insulation material, if not fire-resisting division or fire-resisting material, is to be of non-combustible material.

6. Materials used in the craft, when exposed to fire, are not to emit smoke or toxic gases in quanti- ties that could be dangerous to humans.

7. Void compartments, where low density combustible materials are used to provide buoyancy, are to be protected from adjacent fire hazard areas by fire-resisting divisions, in accordance with Table

7.1.1 and 7.1.2. Also, the space and its closures are to be gastight, but it is to be ventilated to atmosphere. 【See Guidance】

8. In compartments where smoking is allowed, suitable non-combustible ash containers are to be provided. In compartments where smoking is not allowed, adequate notices are to be displayed.

9. The exhaust gas pipes are to be arranged so that the risk of fire is kept to a minimum. To this effect, the exhaust system is to be insulated and all the compartments and structures which are contiguous with the exhaust system, or those which may be affected by increased temperatures caused by waste gases in normal operation or in an emergency, are to be constructed of non-com- bustible material or be shielded and insulated with non-combustible material to protect from high temperatures.

10. The design and arrangement of the exhaust manifolds or pipes are to safe discharge of exhaust gases.

be such as to ensure the

205. Arrangement

1. Internal stairways which serve more than two decks of accommodation are to be enclosed at all

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levels with smoke-tight divisions of non-combustible or fire-restricting materials, and where only two decks are served, such enclosures are to be provided on at least one level. Stairways may be fitted in the open in a public space, provided they are wholly within public space.【See Guidance】

2. Lift trunks are to be fitted so as to prevent the passage of smoke and flame from one deck to an- other, and are to be provided with a means of closing to permit the control of draught and smoke.

3. In accommodation and service spaces, control stations, corridors and stairways air spaces enclosed behind ceilings, panelling or linings are to be suitably divided by close fitting draught stops not more than 14 m apart. 【See Guidance】

206. Fuel and other flammable fluid tanks and systems

1. Tanks containing fuel and other flammable fluids are to be separated from passenger, crew, and baggage compartments by suitably ventilated and drained vapour-proof enclosures or cofferdams.

2. Fuel oil tanks are not to be located in or contiguous to major fire hazard areas. However, flamma- ble fluids of a flashpoint not less than 60℃ may be located within such areas provided the tanks

are made of steel or other equivalent material.

3. Every oil fuel pipe which, if damaged, would allow oil to escape from a storage, settling or daily service tank is to be fitted with a cock or valve directly on the tank capable of being closed from a position outside the space concerned in the event of a fire occurring in the space in which such tanks are situated.

4. Pipes, valves and couplings conveying flammable fluids are to be of steel or such alternative mate- rial permitted by the Society, in respect of strength and fire integrity having regard to the service pressure and the spaces in which they are installed. Wherever practicable, the use of flexible pipes

is to be avoided.

5. Pipes, valves and couplings conveying flammable fluids are to be arranged as far from hot surfaces or air intakes of engine installations, electrical appliances and other potential sources of ignition as is practicable and be located or shielded so that the likelihood of fluid leakage coming into contact with such sources of ignition is kept to a minimum.

6. Fuel with a flashpoint below 35℃ is not to be used. In every craft in which fuel with a flash- point below 43℃ is used, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilization of the fuel

are to be such that, having regard to the hazard of fire and explosion which the use of such fuel may entail, the safety of the craft and of persons on board is preserved. In addition to the require- ments of Pars 1 to 5, the arrangements are to comply with the following:

(1) Tanks for the storage of such fuel are to be located outside any machinery space and at a dis- tance of not less than 760 mm inboard from the shell side and bottom plating, and from decks and bulkheads,

(2) Arrangements are to be made to prevent overpressure in any fuel tank or in any part of the oil

fuel system, including the filling pipes. Any relief valves and air or overflow pipes are to dis- charge to a safe position,

(3) The spaces in which fuel tanks are located are to be mechanically ventilated using exhaust fans

providing not less than six air changes per hour. The fans are to be such as to avoid the possi- bility of ignition of flammable gas air mixtures. Suitable wire mesh guards are to be fitted over inlet and outlet ventilation openings. The outlets for such exhausts are to be discharged to a safe position. 'No Smoking' signs are to be posted at the entrances to such spaces,

(4) Earthed electrical distribution systems are not to be used, with the exception of earthed intrinsi- cally safe circuits,

(5) Suitable certified safe type electrical equipment is to be used in all spaces where fuel leakage

could occur, including ventilation system. Only electrical equipment and fittings essential for op- erational purposes are to be fitted in such spaces.

207. Ventilation

1. The main inlets and outlets of all ventilation systems are to be capable of being closed from out- side the spaces being ventilated. In addition, such openings to areas of major fire hazard are to be capable of being closed from a continuously manned control station.

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2. All ventilation fans are to be capable and from outside the spaces in which

of being stopped from outside the spaces which they serve, they are installed. Ventilation fans serving major fire hazard

areas are to be capable of being operated from a continuously manned control station. The means

provided for stopping the power ventilation to the machinery space are to be separated from the means provided for stopping ventilation of other spaces. 【See Guidance】

3. Major fire hazard areas and main passenger spaces serving as muster stations are to have separate ventilation systems and ventilation ducts. Ventilation ducts for major fire hazard areas are not to pass through other spaces, and ducts for ventilation of other spaces are not to pass through major fire hazard areas. Ventilation outlets from areas of major fire hazard are not to terminate within a distance of 1 m from any control station, evacuation station or external escape route. In addition, exhaust ducts from galley ranges are to be fitted with:

(1) Grease trap readily removable for cleaning unless an alternative approved grease removal system is fitted;

(2) Fire damper located in the lower end of the duct which is automatically and remotely operated, and in addition a remotely operated fire damper located in the upper end of the duct;

(3) Fixed means for extinguishing a fire within the duct;

(4) Remote control arrangements for shutting off the exhaust fans and supply fans, for operating the fire dampers mentioned in (2) and for operating the fire-extinguishing system, which is to be placed in a position close to the entrance to the galley. Where a multi-branch system is in- stalled, means are to be provided to close all branches exhausting through the same main duct before an extinguishing medium is released into the system; and

(5) Suitably located hatches for inspection and cleaning.

4. Where, of necessity, a ventilation duct passes through a fire-resisting or smoke-tight division, a fail safe automatic closing fire damper is to be fitted adjacent to the division. The duct between the di- vision and the damper is to be of steel or other equivalent material and insulated to the same standard as required for the fire-resisting division.

5. Where ventilation systems penetrate decks, the arrangements are to be such that the effectiveness of the deck in resisting fire is not thereby impaired and precautions are to be taken to reduce the likelihood of smoke and hot gases passing from one deck space to another through the system.

6. All dampers fitted on fire-resisting or smoke-tight divisions are also to be capable of being man- ually closed from each accessible side of the division in which they are fitted, and remotely closed from the continuously manned control station.

7. Ducts are to be made of non-combustible or fire restricting material. Short ducts, however, may be of combustible materials subject to the following conditions:

(1) Their cross-section does not exceed 0.02 m

;

(2) Their length does not exceed 2 m ;

(3) They may only be used at the terminal end of the ventilation system;

(4) They are not to be situated less than 600 mm from an opening in a fire-resisting or fire-re- stricting division; and

208. Protection of special category spaces and ro-ro spaces

Boundaries of special category spaces and ro-ro spaces are to be insulated in accordance with Tables 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. Indicators are to be provided on the navigating bridge which are to in- dicate when any door leading to or from the special category space and ro-ro spaces is closed.

209. Openings in fire-resisting divisions 【See Guidance】

1. Except for the hatches between cargo, special category, store, and baggage spaces and between such spaces and the weather decks, all openings are to be provided with permanently attached means of closing which are to be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.

2. It is to be possible for each door to be opened and closed person only. 【See Guidance】

3. Fire doors bounding major fire hazard areas and stairway

from each side of the bulkhead by one enclosures are to satisfy the following

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requirements.

(1) The doors are to be self-closing and be capable of closing with an angle of inclination of up to 3.5° opposing closure, and are to have an approximately uniform rate of closure of no more than 40 seconds and no less than 10 seconds with the craft in the upright position. The ap-

(2)

proximate uniform rate of closure for sliding fire doors is to be of no more than 0.2

m s

no less than 0.1 m s with the craft in the upright position.

Remote-controlled sliding or power-operated doors are to be equipped with an alarm

and

that and

continue sounding until the door is completely closed. Doors designed to reopen upon contact-

ing an object in their paths are to reopen sufficiently to allow a clear passage of at least 0.75

m , but no more than 1 m .

(3) All doors are to be capable of remote and automatic release from a continuously manned cen- tral control station, either simultaneously or in groups, and also individually from a position at

both sides of the door. Indication is to be provided at the fire control panel in the con- tinuously manned control station whether each of the remote-controlled doors is closed. The re-

lease mechanism is to be so designed that the door will automatically close in the event of disruption of the control system or central power supply. Release switches are to have an on-

off function to prevent automatic resetting of the system. Hold-back hooks not subject to control station release are to be prohibited.

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

Local power accumulators for power-operated doors are to be provided in the immediate vi- cinity of the doors to enable the doors to be operated at least 10 times (fully opened and

closed) using the local controls.

Double-leaf doors equipped with a latch necessary to their fire integrity are to have a latch that is automatically activated by the operation of the doors when released by the system.

Doors giving direct access to special category spaces which are power-operated and automati-

cally closed need not be equipped with alarms and remote-release mechanisms required (2) and

(3) above.

A door closed remotely from the continuously manned control station is to be capable of being re-opened at both sides of the door by local control. After such local opening, the door is au- tomatically to close again.

Disruption at one door of the control system or main source of electric power is not to impair the safe functioning of the other doors.

The components of the local control system is to be accessible for maintenance and adjusting.

(10) Power operated doors are to be provided with a control system of an approved type which is to be able to operate in case of fire, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test

Procedures Code. This system is to satisfy the following requirements:

(A) the control system is to be able to operate at a temperature of at least 200℃ for at least

60 min, served by the power supply;

(B) the power supply for all other doors not subject to fire is to not impaired; and

(C) at temperatures exceeding 200℃ the control system is to be automatically isolated from the

power supply and shall be capable of keeping the door closed up to at least 945℃.

4. The requirements for integrity of fire-resisting divisions of the outer boundaries facing open spaces of a craft are not to apply to glass partitions, windows and side scuttles. Similarly, the require- ments for integrity of fire-resisting divisions facing open spaces are not to apply to exterior doors in superstructures and deckhouses.

5. Doors in smoke-tight divisions are to be self-closing. Doors which are normally kept open are to close automatically or by remote control from a continuously manned control station.