Annex - Recommendation on Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Special Category Spaces ^footnote

 A fixed fire extinguishing system for special category spaces should be at least as effective in controlling a flowing petrol fire as a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the following:

• (a) The nozzles should be of an approved full bore type. They should be arranged so as to secure an effective distribution of water in the spaces which are to be protected. For this purpose, the system should be such as will provide water application at a rate of at least 3.5 litres per square metre per minute (0.07 gallons per square foot per minute) for spaces with a deck height not exceeding 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and a capacity of at least 5 litres per square metre per minute (0.1 gallons per square foot per minute) for spaces with a deck height of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) or more.

• (b) The water pressure should be sufficient to secure an even distribution of water.

• (c) The system should normally cover the full breadth of the vehicle deck and may be divided into sections provided they are of at least 20 metres (66 feet) in length, except that in ships where the vehicle deck space is subdivided with longitudinal “A” Class divisions forming boundaries of staircases, etc., the breadth of the sections may be reduced accordingly.

• (d) The distribution valves for the system should be situated in an easily accessible position adjacent to but outside the space to be protected which will not readily be cut off by a fire within the space. Direct access to the distribution valves from the vehicle deck space and from outside that space should be provided. Adequate ventilation should be fitted in the space containing the distribution valves.

• (e) The water supply to the system should be provided by a pump or pumps other than the ship's required fire pumps which should additionally be connected to the system by a lockable non-return valve which will prevent a back-flow from the system into the fire main.

• (f) The principal pump or pumps should be capable of providing simultaneously at all times a sufficient supply of water at the required pressure to all nozzles in the vehicle deck or in at least two sections thereof.

• (g) The principal pump or pumps should be capable of being brought into operation by remote control (which may be manually actuated) from the position at which the distribution valves are situated.