Chapter 10 – Fire Safety
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1024(26) – Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters – (Adopted on 2 December 2009) - Annex – Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters - Part B – Equipment - Chapter 10 – Fire Safety

Chapter 10 – Fire Safety

Parent topic: Part B – Equipment

10.1 Fuel and other flammable fluid tanks and systems

 Refuelling of ships should be carried out while taking into account the special conditions imposed by low temperatures and ice conditions, where applicable.

10.2 Ventilation

 Closing apparatus for ventilation inlets and outlets should be designed and located to protect them from ice or snow accumulation that could interfere with the effective closure of such systems.

10.3 Fire detection and extinguishing systems

  10.3.1 Fire-extinguishing systems should be designed or located so that they are not made inaccessible or inoperable by ice or snow accumulation or low temperature such that:

  • .1 equipment, appliances, systems and extinguishing agents should be protected from freezing for minimum temperature for the intended voyage;

  • .2 precautions should be taken to prevent nozzles, piping and valves of any fire-extinguishing system from becoming clogged by impurities, corrosion or ice build-up; and

  • .3 exhaust gas outlets and pressure vacuum arrangements should be protected from ice build-up that could interfere with effective operation.

  10.3.2 Water or foam extinguishers should not be located in any position that is exposed to freezing temperatures. These locations should be provided with extinguishers capable of operation under such conditions.

10.4 Fire pumps and associated equipment for Polar Class ships

  10.4.1 Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system or alternative fire-extinguishing system situated in a space separate from the compartment containing the main fire pumps utilizes its own independent sea suction, this sea suction should be capable of being cleared of accumulations of slush ice.

  10.4.2 Fire pump(s) including emergency fire pump(s) should, wherever reasonable and practicable, be installed in heated compartment(s) and in any event should be adequately protected from freezing for minimum temperature for the intended voyage.

  10.4.3 Isolating valves should be located so that they are accessible. Any isolating valves located in exposed positions should not be subject to icing from freezing spray. The fire main should be arranged so that external sections can be isolated and draining devices should be provided.

  10.4.4 Hydrants should be positioned or designed to remain operable under all anticipated temperatures. Ice accumulation and freezing should be taken into account.

  10.4.5 All hydrants should be equipped with an efficient two-handed valve handle.

10.5 Protection against ice build-up

 Components of the fire-fighting system which may be exposed to icing that could interfere with the proper functioning of that component should be adequately protected.

10.6 Firefighters’ outfits

  10.6.1 Sufficient firefighters’ outfits should be readily available to the accommodation area and elsewhere as appropriate. Such firefighters’ outfits should be stored in warm positions as widely separated as practical.

  10.6.2 In addition to the firefighters’ outfits provided in accordance with paragraph 10.6.1, one spare firefighter’s outfit should be provided. The spare outfit should be stored in a warm location on the ship.

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