Regulation 37 - Protection of special category spaces
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Regulation 37 - Protection of special category spaces

37.1.3 Reference to resolution A.123(V) and complementary devices for fire-extinguishing systems including instructions for maintenance and operation

  • 1 Reference is made to resolution A.123(V) - Recommendation on fixed fire-extinguishing systems for special category spaces.

  • 2 Such systems should fulfill the following requirements:

    • .1 the valve manifold should be provided with a pressure gauge and each of the valves should be marked;

    • .2 instructions for maintenance and operation of the installation should be set up in the room where the valves are located; and

    • .3 the piping system should be provided with a sufficient number of drainage valves.

37.1.4.1 Fixed fire detection systems, if fitted, in special category spaces

  • 1 If a fixed fire detection system is fitted in special category spaces, a smoke detection and alarm system or systems equally effective which are approved by the Administration should be provided.

  • 2 The fire detection system, excluding manual call points, may be switched off with a timer during loading/unloading of vehicles to avoid "false" alarms.

37.1.4.2 Spacing of manually operated call points

 Manually operated call points should be spaced so that no part of the space is more than 20 m from a manually operated call point.

37.1.5.1 Construction of water fog applicators

 See interpretations of regulation II-2/7.6.

37.1.5.3 Location of portable fire extinguishers including suitability and capacity

  • 1 Portable extinguishers should be provided at each car and platform deck level in each hold or compartment where vehicles are carried, spaced not more than 20 m apart on both sides of the special category space. (See also interpretations of regulation II-2/38.2.3)

  • 2 The fire extinguishers in special category spaces should be suitable for "A" and "B" class fires. The extinguishers should have a capacity of 12 kg dry powder or equivalent. (See also interpretations of regulation II-2/38.2.3).

37.1.6.1 Reference to MSC/Circ.729

 Reference is made to MSC/Circ.729 - Design guidelines and operational recommendations for ventilation systems in ro-ro cargo spaces.

37.1.6.3 Alarm in case of loss of ventilation capacity

 The requirement to indicate any loss of ventilating capacity is considered complied with by an alarm on the bridge, initiated by fall-out of starter relay of fan motor. (See also interpretation of regulation II-2/38.3.3).

37.1.6.4 Location of shutdown arrangements

 These operations should be possible without entering the special category space. (See also interpretation of regulation II-2/38.3.4).

37.1.6.5 Construction of ventilation ducts of special category spaces

  • 1 Ventilation ducts of a special category space passing through another special category space:

    • .1 which is not part of the same horizontal zone should be constructed of steel in accordance with regulations II-2/16.3.1.1. and 16.3.1.2 and should be fire insulated to A-60 class standard; and

    • .2 which is part of the same horizontal zone should be constructed of steel.

  • 2 Ventilation ducts should not pass through machinery spaces unless fire insulated to A-60 class standard.

 (See also interpretations of regulation II-2/38.3.5).

37.2.1 Sizing of scuppers and drainage pumps

 For the sizing of scuppers and drainage pumps, the capacity of both the water spraying system pumps and the water discharge from the required number of fire hose nozzles specified in regulations II-2/4.5.1 and 54.1.2, as applicable, should be taken into account.

37.2.2.1 Degree of protection of electrical equipment

  • 1 For equipment above a height of 450 mm above deck:

    The degree of protection of electrical equipment required by this regulation will be realised:

    • .1 by an enclosure of at least IP 55 as defined in IEC Publication 529 - Classification of Degree of Protection Provided by Enclosures; or

    • .2 by apparatus for use in zone 2 areas as defined in IEC Publication 79 - Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres (Temperature Class T3).

  • 2 For equipment at or below a height of 450 mm above deck:

    The electrical equipment referred to in this regulation should be of certified safe type and wiring, if fitted, and should be suitable for use in zone 1 areas as defined in IEC Publication 79 - Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres - (Gas Group II A and Temperature Class T 3). (See also interpretations of regulations II-2/37.3.2.1 and 38.4.1).

37.2.2.2 Degree of protection of electrical equipment in exhaust ventilation ducts and of exhaust fans

  • 1 The electrical equipment referred to in these regulations should be of certified safe type and wiring, if fitted, and should be suitable for use in zone 1 areas as defined in IEC Publication 79 - Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres (Gas Group II A and Temperature Class T 3).

  • 2 Exhaust fans should be of non-sparking type in accordance with IACS Requirement F 29, as revised.

    (See also interpretations 1 and 2 of regulations II-2/37.3.2.2 and 38.4.2).

37.3.1 Size of pumping and drainage arrangements

  • 1 Pumping and drainage arrangements should be such as to prevent the accumulation of water on any such decks (Reference is made to regulation 22 of the 1988 LL Protocol).

  • 2 In respect of scuppers and drainage pumps, the following should be complied with:

    • .1 When calculating the amount of water the capacity of both the water spraying system pumps and required number of fire hose nozzles should be taken into account.

    • .2 The drainage system should have a capacity of not less than 125 % of the capacity specified in .1 above.

    • .3 The valves of the drainage arrangement should be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the drencher system controls. Bilge wells should be of sufficient holding capacity and should be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 m in each watertight compartment.

37.3.2.1 Degree of protection of electrical equipment

 The electrical equipment referred to in this regulation should be of certified safe type and wiring, if fitted, and should be suitable for use in zone 1 areas as defined in IEC Publication 79 - Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres - (Gas Group II A and Temperature Class T 3). (See also interpretation 2 of regulation II-2/37.2.2.1 and interpretation of regulation II-2/38.4.1).

37.3.2.2 Degree of protection of electrical equipment in exhaust ventilation ducts and of exhaust fans

  • 1 The electrical equipment referred to in these regulations should be of certified safe type and wiring, if fitted, and should be suitable for use in zone 1 areas as defined in IEC Publication 79 - Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres (Gas group II A and Temperature class T 3). (See also interpretations of regulations II-2/37.2.2.2 and 38.4.2).

  • 2 Exhaust fans should be of non-sparking type in accordance with IACS Requirement F 29, as revised. (See also interpretations 1 and 2 of regulations II-2/37.2.2.2 and 38.4.2).


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