9.17 Provisions for helicopter facilities
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 2009 MODU Code - Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 – Resolution A.1023(26) - Chapter 9 - Fire Safety - 9.17 Provisions for helicopter facilities

9.17 Provisions for helicopter facilities

  9.17.1 This section provides additional measures in order to address the fire safety objectives for units fitted with facilities for helicopters and meets the following functional provisions:

  • .1 helideck structure should be adequate to protect the unit from the fire hazards associated with helicopter operations;

  • .2 fire-fighting appliances should be provided to adequately protect the unit from the fire hazards associated with helicopter operations;

  • .3 refuelling facilities and operations should provide the necessary measures to protect the unit from the fire hazards associated with helicopter operations; and

  • .4 helicopter facility operation manuals, which may be included in the operation manual under chapter 14 of this Code, and training should be provided.

  9.17.2 The construction of the helidecks should be of steel or other equivalent materials. If the helideck forms the deckhead of a deckhouse or superstructure, it should be insulated to “A-60” class standard. If the Administration permits aluminium or other low melting point metal construction that is not made equivalent to steel, the following provisions should be satisfied:

  • .1 if the helideck is cantilevered over the side of the unit, after each fire that may have an effect on the structural integrity of the helideck or its supporting structures, the helideck should undergo a structural analysis to determine its suitability for further use; and

  • .2 if the helideck is located above the unit’s deckhouse or similar structure, the following conditions should be satisfied:

    • .2.1 the deckhouse top and bulkheads under the helideck should have no openings;

    • .2.2 windows under the helideck should be provided with steel shutters; and

    • .2.3 after each fire on the helideck or supporting structure the helideck should undergo a structural analysis to determine its suitability for further use.

  9.17.3 A helideck should be provided with both a main and an emergency means of escape and access for fire fighting and rescue personnel. These should be located as far apart from each other as is practicable and preferably on opposite sides of the helideck.

  9.17.4 In close proximity to the helideck, the following fire-fighting appliances should be provided and stored near the means of access to that helideck:

  • .1 at least two dry powder extinguishers having a total capacity of not less than 45 kg but not less than 9 kg each;

  • .2 carbon dioxide extinguishers of a total capacity of not less than 18 kg or equivalent;

  • .3 a foam application system consisting of monitors or foam-making branch pipes capable of delivering foam to all parts of the helideck in all weather conditions in which the helideck is intended to be available for helicopter operations. The minimum capacity of the foam production system will depend upon the size of the area to be protected, the foam application rate, the discharge rates of installed equipment and the expected duration of application:

    • .3.1 a minimum application rate of 6 l/m2 within a circle having a diameter equal to the D-value;

    • .3.2 a minimum of 5 min discharge capability should be provided;

    • .3.3 foam delivery at the minimum application rate should start within 30 s of system activation;

  • .4 the principal agent should be suitable for use with salt water and conform to performance standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization;footnote

  • .5 at least two nozzles of an approved dual-purpose type (jet/spray) and hoses sufficient to reach any part of the helideck;

  • .6 in lieu of the provisions of paragraphs 9.17.4.3 to 9.17.4.5, on units constructed on or after 1 January 2020, foam firefighting appliances complying with the provisions of the FSS Code;

  • .7 in addition to the provisions of section 9.14, two fire-fighter’s outfits; and

  • .8 at least the following equipment should be stored in a manner that provides for immediate use and protection from the elements:

    • .8.1 adjustable wrench;

    • .8.2 blanket, fire-resistant;

    • .8.3 cutters, bolt, 600 mm;

    • .8.4 hook, grab or salving;

    • .8.5 hacksaw, heavy duty complete with six spare blades;

    • .8.6 ladder;

    • .8.7 lift line 5 mm diameter and 30 m in length;

    • .8.8 pliers, side-cutting;

    • .8.9 set of assorted screwdrivers;

    • .8.10 harness knife complete with sheath; and

    • .8.11 crowbar.

  9.17.5 Drainage facilities in way of helidecks should be:

  • .1 constructed of steel or other arrangements providing equivalent fire safety;

  • .2 lead directly overboard independent of any other system; and

  • .3 designed so that drainage does not fall onto any part of the unit.

  9.17.6 Where the unit has helicopter refuelling, the following provisions should be complied with:

  • .1 a designated area should be provided for the storage of fuel tanks which should be:

    • .1.1 as remote as is practicable from accommodation spaces, escape routes and embarkation stations; and

    • .1.2 isolated from areas containing a source of vapour ignition;

  • .2 the fuel storage area should be provided with arrangements whereby fuel spillage may be collected and drained to a safe location;

  • .3 tanks and associated equipment should be protected against physical damage and from a fire in an adjacent space or area;

  • .4 where portable fuel storage tanks are used, special attention should be given to:

    • .4.1 design of the tank for its intended purpose;

    • .4.2 mounting and securing arrangements;

    • .4.3 electric bonding; and

    • .4.4 inspection procedures;

  • .5 storage tank fuel pumps should be provided with means which permit shutdown from a safe remote location in the event of a fire. Where a gravity-fuelling system is installed, equivalent closing arrangements should be provided to isolate the fuel source;

  • .6 the fuel pumping unit should be connected to one tank at a time. The piping between the tank and the pumping unit should be of steel or equivalent material, as short as possible, and protected against damage;

  • .7 electrical fuel pumping units and associated control equipment should be of a type suitable for the location and potential hazards;

  • .8 fuel pumping units should incorporate a device which will prevent over-pressurization of the delivery or filling hose;

  • .9 equipment used in refuelling operations should be electrically bonded; and

  • .10 “NO SMOKING” signs should be displayed at appropriate locations.

Parent topic: Chapter 9 - Fire Safety
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