11.3 Cargo area
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) - Chapter 11 Fire protection and fire extinction - 11.3 Cargo area

11.3 Cargo area

  11.3.1 Every ship shall be provided with a fixed deck foam system in accordance with the requirements of 11.3.2 to 11.3.12.

  11.3.2 Only one type of foam concentrate shall be supplied, and it shall be effective for the maximum possible number of cargoes intended to be carried. For other cargoes for which foam is not effective or is incompatible, additional arrangements to the satisfaction of the Administration shall be provided. Regular protein foam shall not be used.

  11.3.3 The arrangements for providing foam shall be capable of delivering foam to the entire cargo tanks deck area as well as into any cargo tank, the deck of which is assumed to be ruptured.

  11.3.4 The deck foam system shall be capable of simple and rapid operation. The main control station for the system shall be suitably located outside of the cargo area, adjacent to the accommodation spaces and readily accessible and operable in the event of fires in the areas protected.

  11.3.5 The rate of supply of foam solution shall be not less than the greatest of the following:

  • .1 2 l/min per square metre of the cargo tanks deck area, where cargo tanks deck area means the maximum breadth of the ship times the total longitudinal extent of the cargo tank spaces;

  • .2 20 l/min per square metre of the horizontal sectional area of the single tank having the largest such area;

  • .3 10 l/min per square metre of the area protected by the largest monitor, such area being entirely forward of the monitor, but not less than 1,250 l/min. For ships less than 4,000 tonnes deadweight, the minimum capacity of the monitor shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  11.3.6 Sufficient foam concentrate shall be supplied to ensure at least 30 min of foam generation when using the highest of the solution rates stipulated in 11.3.5.1, 11.3.5.2 and 11.3.5.3.

  11.3.7 Foam from the fixed foam system shall be supplied by means of monitors and foam applicators. At least 50% of the foam rate required in 11.3.5.1 or 11.3.5.2 shall be delivered from each monitor. The capacity of any monitor shall be at least 10 l/min of foam solution per square metre of deck area protected by that monitor, such area being entirely forward of the monitor. Such capacity shall be not less than 1,250 l/min. For ships less than 4,000 tonnes deadweight, the minimum capacity of the monitor shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  11.3.8 The distance from the monitor to the farthest extremity of the protected area forward of that monitor shall be not more than 75% of the monitor throw in still air conditions.

  11.3.9 A monitor and hose connection for a foam applicator shall be situated both port and starboard at the poop front or accommodation spaces facing the cargo area.

  11.3.10 Applicators shall be provided for flexibility of action during fire- fighting operations and to cover areas screened from the monitors. The capacity of any applicator shall be not less than 400 l /min and the applicator throw in still air conditions shall be not less than 15 m. The number of foam applicators provided shall be not less than four. The number and disposition of foam main outlets shall be such that foam from at least two applicators can be directed to any part of the cargo tanks deck area.

  11.3.11 Valves shall be provided in the foam main, and in the fire main where this is an integral part of the deck foam system, immediately forward of any monitor position to isolate damaged sections of those mains.

  11.3.12 Operation of a deck foam system at its required output shall permit the simultaneous use of the minimum required number of jets of water at the required pressure from the fire main.

  11.3.13 Ships which are dedicated to the carriage of a restricted number of cargoes shall be protected by alternative provisions to the satisfaction of the Administration when they are just as effective for the products concerned as the deck foam system required for the generality of flammable cargoes.

  11.3.14 Suitable portable fire-extinguishing equipment for the products to be carried shall be provided and kept in good operating order.

  11.3.15 Where flammable cargoes are to be carried, all sources of ignition shall be excluded from hazardous locations unless such sources conform with 10.1.4.

  11.3.16 Ships fitted with bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements shall be provided with one additional foam monitor meeting the requirements of 11.3.7 and one additional applicator meeting the requirements of 11.3.10. The additional monitor shall be located to protect the bow or stern loading and unloading arrangements. The area of the cargo line forward or aft of the cargo area shall be protected by the above-mentioned applicator.

Parent topic: Chapter 11 Fire protection and fire extinction
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