Section 4 Means of Escape

401. Muster Stations

1. General

All units are to have a designated muster stations where personnel can gather prior to entering the lifeboats.

2. Materials

All materials that comprise the muster stations routes are to be of steel or equivalent material.

3. Muster stations

(1) The muster station is to be of sufficient area to accommodate the number of personnel to be gathered.

(2) The muster station is to be located in a safe location with respect to the processing equipment.

(3) The muster station may be a meeting room inside the accommodations or may be part of the lifeboat embarkation station.

402. Escape route

1. Materials

All materials that comprise the escape routes are to be of steel or equivalent material.

2. Escape route

(1) At least two means of escape are to be provided for all continuously manned areas, and areas that are used on a regular working basis.

(2) The two means of escape are to be through routes that minimize the possibility of having both routes blocked in an emergency situation.

(3) Escape routes are to have a minimum width of 700 mm.

(4) Dead-end corridors exceeding 7 m in length are not permitted.

(5) Dead-end corridors are defined as a pathway which (when used during an escape) has no exit.

3. Marking and lighting of escape routes

Escape route paths are to be properly identified and provided with adequate lighting.

4. Escape route plan

(1) An escape route plan is to be prominently displayed at various points in the unit.

(2) Alternatively, this information may be included in the fire control plan.

403. Breathing Apparatus

1. A self-contained breathing apparatus of an approved type for escape purposes is to be provided for each person in working areas where hydrogen sulphide may be encountered.

2. The breathing apparatus for maintenance personnel is to have a minimum of 30 minutes air supply.

3. A designated safe area with proper supply of air is also to be provided and shown on the fire control plan.

404. Means of Embarkation

1. A unit is to have means of embarkation to allow personnel to leave the unit in an emergency.

2. The means of embarkation are to consist of at least two fixed ladders or stairways, widely sepa- rated, and extending from the main decks to the water line.

3. The ladders or stairways will preferably be located near lifeboat-launching stations.

4. Ladder construction is to be in accordance with the appropriate governmental authority, or other recognized standard.