7.3 Classification of space use
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - HSC 2000 Code - International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 – Resolution MSC.97(73) - Chapter 7 - Fire safety - PART A - GENERAL - 7.3 Classification of space use

7.3 Classification of space use

  7.3.1 For the purposes of classification of space use in accordance with fire hazard risks, the following grouping shall apply:

  • .1 Areas of major fire hazard, referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “A”, include the following spaces:

    • machinery spaces
    • ro-ro spaces
    • spaces containing dangerous goods
    • special category spaces
    • store-rooms containing flammable liquids
    • galleys
    • sales shops having a deck area of 50 m2 or greater and containing flammable liquids for sale
    • trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.
  • .2 Areas of moderate fire hazard, referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “B”, include the following spaces:

    • auxiliary machinery spaces, as defined in 1.4.5
    • bond stores containing packaged beverages with alcohol content not exceeding 24% by volume
    • crew accommodation containing sleeping berths
    • service spaces
    • sales shops having a deck area of less than 50 m2 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 m2 or greater not containing flammable liquids
    • trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.
  • .3 Areas of minor fire hazard, referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “C”, include the following spaces:

    • auxiliary machinery spaces, as defined in 1.4.6
    • cargo spaces
    • fuel tank compartments
    • public spaces
    • tanks, voids and areas of little or no fire risk
    • refreshment kiosks
    • sales shops other than those specified in 7.3.1.1 and 7.3.1.2
    • corridors in passenger areas and stairway enclosures
    • crew accommodation other than that mentioned in 7.3.1.2
    • trunks in direct communication with the above spaces.
  • .4 Control stations, referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “D”, as defined in 1.4.16

  • .5 Evacuation stations and external escape routes, referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “E”, include the following areas:

    • external stairs on open decks used for escape routes
    • assembly stations, internal and external
    • open deck spaces and enclosed promenades forming lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations
    • the craft's side to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, superstructure and deckhouse sides situated below and adjacent to the liferaft's and evacuation slide's embarkation areas.
  • .6 Open Spaces referred to in tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2 by “F”, include the following areas:

    • open spaces locations other than evacuation stations and external escape routes and control stations.

  7.3.2 In relation to the classification of spaces in 7.3.1, the following additional criteria shall be applied:

  • .1 If a space is divided by partial bulkheads into two (or more) smaller areas such that they form enclosed spaces, then the enclosed spaces shall be surrounded by bulkheads and decks in accordance with tables 7.4-1 and 7.4-2, as applicable. However, if the separating bulkheads of such spaces are at least 30% open, then the spaces may be considered as the same space.

  • .2 Cabinets having a deck area of less than 2 m2 may be accepted as part of the space they serve, provided they have open ventilation to the space and do not contain any material or equipment that could be a fire risk.

  • .3 Where a space has the special characteristics of two or more space groupings, the structural fire protection time of the divisions shall be the highest for the space groupings concerned. For example, the structural fire protection time of the divisions of emergency generator rooms shall be of the highest value for the space when the space is considered as being a control station (D) and a machinery space (A).

  7.3.3 In approving structural fire protection details, the Administration shall have regard to the risk of heat transmission at intersections and terminal points of required thermal barriers.

  7.3.4 To prevent heat transmission at intersections and terminal points, the insulation of the deck or bulkhead shall be carried past the intersection or terminal point for a distance of at least 450 mm in the case of steel or aluminium structures (refer to figures 7.3.4a and 7.3.4b).

Figure 7.3.4a

Figure 7.3.4b

  7.3.5 If a space is divided by a deck or bulkhead and the fire insulation required for each space is different, the insulation with the higher structural fire protection time shall continue on the deck or bulkhead with the insulation of the lesser structural fire protection time for a distance of at least 450 mm beyond the boundary between the spaces.

  7.3.6 Where the lower part of the fire insulation has to be cut for drainage, the construction shall be in accordance with the structural details shown in figure 7.3.6.

Figure 7.3.6


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