1.9 SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, Paragraph 5.1
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1464/Rev.1 - Unified Interpretations of SOLAS Chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical Provisions for Means of Access for Inspections (Resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance Standards - Annex - 1 SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6 – Access to and Within Spaces in, and forward of, the Cargo Area of Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers - 1.9 SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, Paragraph 5.1

1.9 SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, Paragraph 5.1

Parent topic: 1 SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6 – Access to and Within Spaces in, and forward of, the Cargo Area of Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers

Interpretation

 The minimum clear opening of 600 mm x 600 mm may have corner radii up to 100 mm maximum. The clear opening is specified in MSC/Circ.686 to keep the opening fit for passage of personnel wearing a breathing apparatus. In such a case where as a consequence of structural analysis of a given design the stress should be reduced around the opening, it is considered appropriate to take measures to reduce the stress such as making the opening larger with increased radii, e.g. 600 x 800 with 300 mm radii, in which a clear opening of 600 x 600 mm with corner radii up to 100 mm maximum fits.

Technical background

 The interpretation is based upon the established Guidelines in MSC/Circ.686.

Reference

 Paragraph 9 of the annex to MSC/Circ.686.

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