3.1 System operation
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1387 – Revised Guidelines for the Approval of Fixed Water-Based Local Application Fire-Fighting Systems for Use in Category A Machinery Spaces (MSC/Circ.913) – (10 December 2010) - Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Approval of Fixed Water-Based Local Application Fire-Fighting Systems for Use in Category A Machinery Spaces - 3 Principal requirements for the system - 3.1 System operation

3.1 System operation

  .1 The system should be capable of manual release.

  .2 The activation of the system should not require engine shutdown, closing fuel oil tank outlet valves, evacuation of personnel or sealing of the space, which could lead to loss of electrical power or reduction of manoeuvrability. This is not intended to place requirements on the electrical equipment in the protected area when the system is discharging freshwater.

  .3 The operation controls should be located at easily accessible positions inside and outside the protected space. The controls inside the space should not be liable to be cut off by a fire in the protected areas.

  .4 Pressure source components of the system should be located outside the protected areas.

  .5 Where automatically operated fire-fighting systems are installed:

  • .1 a warning notice should be displayed outside each entry point stating the type of medium used and the possibility of automatic release;

  • .2 the detection system should ensure rapid operation while consideration should also be given to preventing accidental release. The area of coverage of the detection system sections should correspond to the area of coverage of the extinguishing system sections. The following arrangements are acceptable:

    • .1 set-up of two approved flame detectors; or

    • .2 set-up of one approved flame detector and one approved smoke detector.

  • Other arrangements can be accepted by the Administration. However, use of heat detectors should in general be avoided for these systems;

  • .3 the discharge of water should be controlled by the detection system. The detection system should provide an alarm upon activation of any single detector and discharge if two or more detectors activate. The Administration may accept other arrangements; and

  • .4 visual and audible indication of the activated section should be provided in the engine control room and the navigation bridge or continuously manned central control station. Audible alarms may use a single tone.

  .6 Operating instructions for the system should be displayed at each operating position.

  .7 Appropriate operational measures or interlocks should be provided if the engine-room is fitted with a fixed high-expansion foam or aerosol fire-fighting system, to prevent the local application system from interfering with the effectiveness of these systems.

Parent topic: 3 Principal requirements for the system
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