Section 2 Fire Protection and Means of Escape

201. Fire protection

1. Hulls, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses are to be constructed of steel or other material equivalent thereto.

2. In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks, the minimum fire integrity of all bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in Table 9.1 and 9.2 ac- cording to the spaces adjoining to the relevant bulkheads or decks.

3. Windows and sidescuttles, with the exception of navigating bridge windows, are to be of

the

non-opening type. Navigating bridge windows may be of the opening type provided the design of

such windows would permit rapid closure. The Society may permit windows and sidescuttles out- side hazardous areas to be of the opening type.

4. Continuous “B” class ceilings or linings in association with the relevant decks or bulkheads may be accepted as contributing wholly or in part to the required insulation and integrity of a division.

5. In approving structural fire protection details, the Society is to have regard to the risk of heat transmission at intersections and terminal points of required thermal barriers. The insulation of a deck or bulkhead is to be carried past the penetration, intersection or terminal point for a distance of at least 450 mm in the case of steel and aluminium structures. If a space is divided with a deck or a bulkhead of "A" class standard having insulation of different values, the insulation with the higher value is to continue on the deck or bulkhead with the insulation of the lesser value for

a distance of at least 450 mm .

6. The fire resistance of doors should, as far as practicable, be equivalent to that of the division in which they are fitted. External doors in superstructures and deckhouses should be constructed to at

least “A-0” class standard and be self-closing, where practicable.

7. Self-closing doors in fire rated bulkheads should not be fitted hold-back arrangements incorporating remote release fittings of the

with hold-back hooks. However, fail-safe type may be utilized.

Table 9.1 Fire Integrity of Bulkheads Separating Adjacent Spaces

Table 9.2 Fire Integrity of Decks Separating Adjacent Spaces

8. Protection of accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations specified in Ch 1, 211.(ex- cluding the space where the emergency source of electrical power is installed) is to be in accord- ance with the requirements in the followings.

(1) In general, accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations are not be located ad- jacent to hazardous areas. However, where this is not practicable, an engineering evaluation is to be performed to ensure that the level of fire protection and blast resistance of the bulkheads and decks separating these spaces from the hazardous areas are adequate for the likely hazard.

(2) All bulkheads that are to be “A” class divisions are to extend from deck to deck and to the deckhouse side or other boundaries.

(3) All bulkheads required to be "B" class divisions are to extend from deck to deck and to the deckhouse side or other boundaries, unless continuous "B" class ceilings or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, in which case the bulkhead may terminate at the continuous ceiling

or lining. In corridor bulkheads, ventilation openings may be permitted only in and under the doors of cabins, public spaces, offices and sanitary spaces. The openings are to be provided on- ly in the lower half of the door. Where such an opening is in or under a door, the total net

area of any such opening or openings is not to exceed 0.05 mĪ . When such an opening is cut

in a door it is to be fitted with a grille made of non-combustible material. Such openings are not to be provided in a door in a division forming a stairway enclosure.

(4) Stairs are to be constructed of steel or equivalent material.

(5) Stairways which penetrate only a single deck are to be protected at least at one level by "A" or "B" class divisions and self-closing doors so as to limit the rapid spread of fire from one

deck to another. Personnel lift trunks are to be protected by "A" class divisions. Stairways and lift trunks which penetrate more than a single deck are to be surrounded by "A" class divisions

and protected by self-closing doors at all levels.

(6) Air spaces enclosed behind ceilings, panellings or linings are to be divided by close fitting draught stops spaced not more than 14 m apart.

(7) Except for insulation in refrigerated compartments, insulation material, pipe and vent duct lag- ging, ceilings, linings and bulkheads are to be of non-combustible material. Insulation of pipe fittings for cold service systems and vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with in- sulation need not be non-combustible but they are to be kept to a minimum and their exposed surfaces are to have low flame spread characteristics. In spaces where penetration of oil prod- ucts is possible, the surfaces of the insulation are to be impervious to oil or oil vapours.

(8) The framing, including grounds and the joint pieces of bulkheads, linings, ceilings and draught

stops are to be of non-combustible material.

(9) All exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway accessible spaces in accommodation and service flame spread characteristics. Exposed surfaces of

enclosures and surfaces in concealed or in- spaces and control stations are to have low ceilings in accommodation and service spaces

and control stations are to have low flame spread characteristics.

(10) Bulkheads, linings and ceilings may have combustible veneers provided that the thickness of such veneers is not to exceed 2 mm within any space other than corridors, stairway enclo sures and control stations where the thickness is not to exceed l.5 mm . Alternately, thicker veneers of low calorific value not exceeding 45 MJÕmĪ will be considered.

(11) Primary deck coverings, if applied, are to be of approved materials by the Society which will

not readily ignite, or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures.

(12) Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces are not to offer an un

due fire hazard in the judgement of the Society and are not to be capable of producing ex cessive quantities of smoke or toxic fumes.

(13) Ventilation ducts shall be of steel or equivalent material. However, short ducts, not generally exceeding 2 m in length and with a free cross-sectional area not exceeding 0.02 mĪ , need not

be steel or equivalent subject to the following conditions :

(A) subject to (B), the ducts are made of a material which has low flame spread characteristics;

(B) the ducts shall be made of heat resisting non-combustible material, which may be faced in- ternally and externally with membranes having low flame-spread characteristics and, in each case, a calorific value not exceeding 45 MJÕmĪ of their surface area for the thickness used;

(C) the ducts are only used at the end of the ventilation device; and

(D) the ducts are not situated less than 600 mm , measured along the duct, from an opening in an "A" or "B" class division including continuous "B" class ceiling.

(14) Where a thin plated duct with a free cross-sectional area equal to, or less than, 0.02 mĪ pass es through "A" class bulkheads or decks, the opening is to be lined with a steel sheet sleeve

having a thickness of at least 3 mm and a length of at least 200 mm , divided preferably into

100 mm on each side of the bulkhead or, in the case of the deck, wholly laid on the lower

side of the decks pierced. Where ventilation ducts with a free cross-sectional area exceeding

0.02 mĪ pass through "A" class bulkheads or decks, the opening is to be lined with a steel sheet sleeve. However, where such ducts are of steel construction and pass through a deck or bulkhead, the ducts and sleeves are to comply with the following:

(A) The sleeves are to have a thickness of at least 3 mm and a length of at least 900 mm .

When passing through bulkheads, this length shall be divided preferably into 450 mm on each side of the bulkhead. These ducts, or sleeves lining such ducts, shall be provided with

fire insulation. The insulation shall have at least the same fire integrity as the bulkhead or

deck through which the duct passes; and

(B) Ducts with a free cross-sectional area exceeding 0.075 mĪ shall be fitted with fire dampers in addition to the requirements of paragraph (A). The fire damper shall operate automati-

cally, but shall also be capable of being closed manually from both sides of the bulkhead or deck. The damper shall be provided with an indicator which shows whether the damper

is open or closed. Fire dampers are not required, however, where ducts pass through spaces

surrounded by "A" class divisions, without serving those spaces, provided those ducts have the same fire integrity as the divisions which they pierce. Fire dampers shall be easily accessible. Where they are placed behind ceilings or linings, these ceilings or linings shall be provided with an inspection door on which a plate reporting the identification number of the fire damper is provided. The fire damper identification number shall also be placed on any remote controls required.

(15) Ducts provided for ventilation of machinery spaces of Category A, galleys and hazardous areas are not to pass through accommodation or service spaces or control stations. However, ducts provided for ventilation of machinery spaces of Category A and galleys, excluding hazardous areas, may pass through accommodation or service spaces or control stations where they com ply with the conditions specified in paragraphs (A) to (D) or (E) and (F) below:

(A) the ducts are constructed of steel having a thickness of at least 3 mm and 5 mm for ducts the widths or diameters of which are up to and including 300 mm and 760 mm and over respectively and, in the case of such ducts, the widths or diameters of which are between

300 mm and 760 mm having a thickness obtained by interpolation;

(B) the ducts are

(C) the ducts are

suitably supported and stiffened;

fitted with automatic fire dampers close to the boundaries penetrated; and

(D) the ducts are insulated to "A-60" class standard from the machinery spaces, galleys, vehicle

spaces, ro-ro spaces or special category spaces damper; or

to a point at least 5 m beyond each fire

(E) the ducts are constructed of steel in accordance with paragraphs (A) and (B); and

(F) the ducts are insulated to "A-60" class standard throughout the accommodation spaces, serv- ice spaces or control stations.

(16) Ducts provided for ventilation of accommodation, service spaces or control stations are not to pass through machinery spaces of Category A, galleys and hazardous areas. However, ducts provided for ventilation to accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations may pass

through machinery spaces of category A and galleys excluding hazardous areas where comply with the conditions specified in paragraphs (A) to (C) or (D) and (E) below:

(A) the ducts where they pass through a machinery space of category A and galley are

structed of steel in accordance with paragraphs (11) (A) and (11) (B);

(B) automatic fire dampers are fitted close to the boundaries penetrated; and

they

con-

(C) the integrity of the machinery space and galley boundaries is maintained at the penetrations; or

(D) the ducts where they pass through a machinery space of category A and galley are con-

structed of steel in accordance with paragraphs (11) (A) and (11) (B); and

(E) the ducts are insulated to "A-60" standard within the machinery space and galley.

(17) Where they pass through accommodation spaces or spaces containing combustible materials, the exhaust ducts from galley ranges should be of equivalent fire integrity to “A” class divisions and each galley exhaust duct should be fitted with:

(A) a grease trap readily removable for cleaning;

(B) a fire damper located in the galley end of the duct which is automatically and remotely op- erated and, in addition a remotely operated fire damper located in the exhaust end of the

duct;

(C) arrangements, operable from within the galley, for shutting off the exhaust fans; and

(D) fixed means for extinguishing a fire within the duct.

(18) The main inlets and outlets of all ventilation systems are to be capable of being closed from outside the spaces being ventilated.

(19) Power ventilation of accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations, machinery spaces and hazardous areas is to be capable of being stopped from an easily accessible position out

side the space being served. The accessibility of this position in the event of a fire in the

spaces served is to be specially considered. The means provided for stopping the power ven tilation serving machinery spaces or hazardous areas are to be entirely separate from the means provided for stopping ventilation of other spaces.

(20) The ventilation of the accommodation spaces and control stations is to be arranged in such a way as to prevent the ingress of flammable, toxic or noxious gases, or smokes from surround ing areas.

202. Means of escape

1. Within the accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations, the means of escape speci- fied in the following (1) to (3) are to be provided.

(1) In every general area which is likely to be regularly manned or in which personnel are accom- modated, at least two separate escape routes are to be provided, situated as far apart as practi- cable, to allow ready means of escape to the open decks and embarkation stations. Where, how- ever, deemed appropriate by the Society in consideration of the nature and location of spaces and the number of persons who might normally be accommodated or employed there, one of these means of escape may be dispensed with.

(2) Stairways are normally to be used for means of vertical escape. Where, however, the installation of a stairway is shown to be impracticable, a vertical ladder may be used for one of the means of escape.

(3) Every escape

route is to be readily accessible and unobstructed. All exit doors along the route

are to be readily operable. Dead-end corridors exceeding 7 m in length are not to be provided.

(4) In addition to the emergency lighting, the means of escape in accommodation areas, including

stairways and exits, is to be marked by lighting or photoluminescent strip indicators placed not

more than 300 mm above the deck at all points of the escape route, including intersections. The marking is to enable personnel to identify the routes of escape

angles and and readily

identify the escape exits. If electric illumination is used, it should be supplied by the emergency source of power and it is to be so arranged that the failure of any single light or cut in a lighting strip will not result in the marking being ineffective. Additionally, escape route signs and fire equipment location markings should be of photoluminescent material or marked by lighting. The Society is to ensure that such lighting or photoluminescent equipment has been evaluated, tested and applied in accordance with the FSS Code.

2. Two means of escape are to be provided from every machinery space of Category A by either one of the following (1) or (2). Where, however, deemed appropriate by the Society in consideration of the nature and location of spaces and the number of persons who might normally be employed there, one of these means of escape may be dispensed with.

(1) Two sets of steel ladders, as widely separated as possible, leading to doors in the upper part of the space similarly separated and from which access is provided to the open deck. In general, one of these ladders is to provide continuous fire shelter from the lower part of the space to a safe position outside the space. This shelter is to be of steel insulated to the satisfaction of the Society and be provided with a self-closing steel door at the lower end. However, in cases where a safe escape route from the lower part of this space is provided due to special arrange- ments or dimension of machinery space, the shelter may be dispensed with at the discretion of the Society.

(2) One steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from which access is pro- vided to the open deck and additionally, in the lower part of the space and in a position well separated from the ladder referred to, a steel door capable of being operated from each side and which provides access to a safe escape route from the lower part of the space to the open deck.

3. From machinery spaces other than those of Category A, escape routes are to be provided to the satisfaction of the Society, having regard to the nature and location of the space and whether per- sons are normally employed in that space.

4. Lifts are not to be considered as forming one of the required means of escape.

5. Stairways and corridors used as a means of escape should meet the provisions of paragraph 13.3 of the FSS Code.

6. Emergency escape breathing devices are to comply with the following requirements.

(1) Emergency escape breathing devices are to comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code. Spare emergency escape breathing devices shall be kept onboard.

(2) In machinery spaces of category A containing internal combustion machinery used for main pulsion, EEBDs are to be positioned as follows:

(A) one (1) EEBD in the engine control room, if located within the machinery space;

(B) one (1) EEBD in workshop areas. If there is, however, a direct access to an escape from the workshop, an EEBD is not required; and

(C) one (1) EEBD on each deck or platform level near the escape ladder constituting the

pro-

way sec-

ond means of escape from the machinery space (the other means being an enclosed escape trunk or watertight door at the lower level of the space).

(D) Alternatively, a different number or location may be determined by the Society taking into

consideration the layout and dimensions or the normal manning of the space.

(3) For machinery spaces of category A other than those containing internal combustion machinery

used for main propulsion, one (1) EEBD is to, as a

platform level near the escape ladder constituting the

minimum, be provided on each deck or

second means of escape from the space

(the other means being an enclosed escape trunk or watertight door at the lower level of the space).

(4) For other machinery spaces, the number and location of EEBDs are to be determined by the

Society.