4 Assessment Guidance
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1274 – Guidelines for Evaluation of Fire Risk of External Areas on Passenger Ships – (3 June 2008) - Annex - Part 2 – Simplified Risk Assessment Method for External Areas on Passenger Ships - 4 Assessment Guidance

4 Assessment Guidance

Parent topic: Part 2 – Simplified Risk Assessment Method for External Areas on Passenger Ships

4.1 Description of the intended use of the area

 The intended use and arrangements of the area should be described in sufficient detail to allow an understanding of the equipment and operations to be conducted, including the expected operation each day and any operational requirement or limitation. The location and area to be occupied should be noted.

4.2 Identification of combustibles materials

  4.2.1 An assessment should be made of the type and quantity of combustible materials and flammable liquids (except for liquors stored in bars for daily use) in the area as a result of the activity should be prepared.

  4.2.2 The potential fire load of any lifesaving equipment such as lifeboats, rescue boats and liferafts need not be included in the fire load assessment.

  4.2.3 The assessment should also note if any combustible materials for other purposes are routinely stored in or near the area being considered.

  4.2.4 The location of any flammable oil tank vents that are in or adjacent to the area should be noted.

4.3 Identification of the ignition sources

 Any sources of ignition in the area should be noted, along with a description of any safeguards provided. Ignition sources may include cigarettes, any open flames, cooking appliances and electrical equipment.

4.4 Description of the means of escape from and fire-fighting access to the area

  4.4.1 The expected number of crew and passengers likely to be present in the area should be estimated for day and night conditions.

  4.4.2 The location of emergency equipment lockers should be considered with respect to the area, along with the location of fire main valves and hydrants. Access routes for fire fighting should be evaluated.

  4.4.3 Consideration should also be given to the abilities of the persons likely to be in the area that may need additional assistance to escape. (i.e. large number of children in play areas).

4.5 Description of the materials used for the construction of the decks and bulkheads that bound the area

 The vessel drawings should be consulted to determine the fire integrity of any bulkheads or decks adjacent to the area. All combustible materials and finishes (including paints) in the permanent construction of the ship should be noted, and their location with respect to the area of consideration should be verified. Natural hard wood decking systems need not to be included in the assessment.

4.6 Description of the fire-fighting systems and appliances in the area

 Availability of fire-fighting systems and appliances in or near the area should be evaluated with respect to the intended use and activities, the arrangement and the types of fire that would occur in the area.

4.7 Description of the fire detection and alarm system in the area

  4.7.1 The fire detection and alarm system in or near the area should be evaluated with respect to the intended use and activities, the arrangement and the types of fire that would occur in the area.

  4.7.2 The number of crew in the area and the times they will be present should also be taken into account. Information regarding the coverage of closed circuit television in the area should also be noted.

4.8 Response procedures

 The fire-fighting procedures and instructions applicable to the area should be reviewed.

4.9 Identification of essential systems

 Proximity of systems essential for the safe operation of the ship (e.g., ships’ propulsion, steering, lifesaving, fire protection systems, internal and external communications) should be considered.

4.10 Identification of any ventilation intakes or equipment in or near the area

 Any ventilation system equipment that might be affected by a fire in the area should be identified. The distance to any air intakes or similar openings should be noted for the purpose of determining if smoke from a fire could be spread to other areas of the ship.

4.11 Effects on other areas

 Effects on assembly stations or evacuation routes and the possibility of the fire spread to more than one fire zone should be considered.

4.12 Evaluation of the risk assessment

  4.12.1 Based on the information provided in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.11 of this part, an evaluation should be performed to determine the relative level of fire risk associated with the new intended use of the area, the potential fire damage to the ship, and whether the fire protection is adequate for the expected level of risk.

  4.12.2 If necessary, mitigation measures should be implemented to eliminate or reduce the fire to an acceptable level.

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