14.1 General
14.1.1 The boundary of the machinery space should, with special consideration given to
fire flaps, be arranged to contain the fire extinguishing medium, i.e. the machinery
space should be capable of being closed down in order that the fire extinguishing medium
cannot escape. Any fans located within, or feeding a machinery space, together with fuel
and oil transfer pumps, centrifuges etc. should be capable of being stopped from outside
the space in the event of a fire. Systems comprising of automatic stopping of fans in
the event of a fire should be supplemented with a manual override.
14.1.2 Where it is not practical to have a machinery space, the engine should be
enclosed in a box. The box should perform the same function as the machinery space
boundaries in section 14.1.1 above.
14.1.3 Combustible materials and liquids should not be stowed in the machinery space. If
non-combustible materials are stowed in the machinery space, they should be adequately
secured against falling on machinery, and cause no obstruction to access to or from the
space.
14.1.4 Portlights, windows or skylights should not be fitted in the boundary of the
machinery space, except that an observation port having a maximum diameter of 150mm may
be fitted in an internal boundary bulkhead, provided that the port is of the non-opening
type, the frame is constructed of steel or other equivalent material, and the port is
fitted with a permanently attached cover with securing arrangements. Only fire rated
toughened safety glass, rated A-0 in accordance with the FTP Code,
should be used in an observation port.
14.1.5 Linkages forming part of emergency means for the remote operation for flaps,
cut-offs and similar devices, must be executed in materials or assemblies which will not
themselves fail or become inoperable in all such emergency circumstances.
14.2 Vessels Operating in Area Categories 0 and 1, and in any Other Area Category
Where the Total Installed Power Exceeds 750 kW per machinery space, or in any Area
Category Where the Vessel is Carrying 16 or More Persons.
14.2.1 Steel Construction:
14.2.1.1 Vessels which have their machinery space boundaries constructed of steel
require no additional fire protection. However, surfaces on the opposite side of the
machinery space should only be coated with finishes which have a Class 1 surface spread
of flame rating when tested in accordance with Appendix 13. Also, due consideration
should be given to insulation of steel machinery space boundaries where contiguous with
accommodation, stores or other fire risk/sensitive spaces.
14.2.2 Aluminium construction:
14.2.2.1 Vessels constructed in aluminium should be insulated in way of the
hull, bulkheads and deck boundaries in machinery spaces and areas of high fire risk to
B-15 standard and_prevent the passage of smoke and flame for 15 minutes when tested in
accordance with the procedure shown in the IMO International Code for application of
Fire Test Proceduresfootnote, FTP Code
Annex 1 Part 3.
14.2.2.2 Where insulation is fitted to provide an equivalent level of fire protection,
the insulation should be fitted to the hull, bulkheads and decks in their entirety and
need not be fitted on the hull sides lower than 300mm below the waterline.
14.2.2.3 Insulation that has been approved to meet A-15 standards (with steel) will be
considered to meet this standard.
14.2.2.4 Builders of aluminium vessels should pay particular attention to areas of the
hull / decks / bulkheads where high heat items pass through (e.g. exhaust outlet) that
may lead to cracking or hardening of the structure due to the increased ambient
temperature which leads to changes to the structure on a molecular level.
14.2.2.5 It is known that painting aluminium can lead to problems with pitted corrosion
below the paint.
14.2.3 Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction:
14.2.3.1 Vessels constructed in FRP should have hull, bulkheads and deck
boundaries in machinery spaces and other high risk fire areas that prevent the passage
of smoke and flame for 15 minutes and tested in accordance with the procedure shown in
the IMO International Code for application of Fire Test Proceduresfootnote, FTP Code
Annex 1 Part 3; except that in para. 3.3, for load bearing divisions, the structural
core temperature should not exceed the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the resin in
the laminate; and that in para. 3.5.1 this does not have to be a non-combustible
material) .
14.2.3.2 Where insulation is fitted to provide an equivalent level of fire protection,
the insulation should be fitted to the hull, bulkheads and decks in their entirety and
need not be fitted on the hull sides lower than 300mm below the waterline.
14.2.3.3 Fire resistance of FRP may be achieved by the use of woven roving glass layers
or additives, which must be added strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
requirements, to the resin. Intumescent polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester or phenolic resin
surface coatings may also be used provided that it can be demonstrated that the coating
can protect the structural integrity of the bulkhead or structure. Solvent borne
intumescent paints are not acceptable.
14.2.3.4 Refer to MCA guidance on fire testing of structural boundaries for use with
composite and wooden constructionfootnote.
14.2.3.5 The Certifying Authority may waive the requirement for the testing described in
14.2.3.1 and 14.2.3.4 if the construction complies with the equivalent standard provided
in Appendix 9 (Fire Test).
14.2.3.6 Where insulation is fitted to provide an equivalent level of fire protection to
that required in section 14.2.3.1, 14.2.3.4 or 14.2.3.5 the insulation need not be
fitted lower than 300mm below the waterline. It should be noted that insulation approved
by the Administration as satisfying the requirements of an “A” or “B” Class division for
the construction material, and division scantlings, will exceed these requirements.
14.2.3.8 Alternative Arrangements
14.2.3.8.1 Where it is not possible for the vessels described in 14.2.3.1
to meet the fire test prescribed in FTP Code
(see Standards Appendix 13), or those vessels described in 14.2.3.4 or 14.2.3.5 to meet
an equivalent level of fire protection, such vessels may be fitted with insulation which
provides an equivalent level of fire protection to the machinery space boundaries.
Insulation that has been approved to meet A-15 standards (with steel) will be considered
to meet this standard. The insulation need not be fitted lower than 300mm below the
light waterline on the hull sides. Where insulation is required for FRP structure, if an
A-15 equivalent standard is required an acceptable alternative is Annex 1 Part 11 of the
FTP Code
2010 - Test for fire resisting divisions for HSC. Acceptable insulations will
have the notation of 'Fire-resisting divisions 60'. The approval shall state the
orientation of the division and whether the division is load bearing or non-load
bearing. The insulation need not be fitted lower than 300mm below the light waterline on
the hull sides.
14.2.3.9 The use of intumescent materials is not acceptable for use as ‘A’ Class
insulations for the following reasons:
-
their performance under smoke and toxicity tests within the FTP
Code, and the knock-on effect this might have on escape and
abandonment;
-
they may not be non-combustible;
-
they intumesce at temperatures in excess of the mean temperature limitation of 139
C. This temperature could be considerably exceeded before they became
effective;
-
they may lose their intumescing properties in spaces having high ambient
temperatures such as machinery spaces or in low temperature fires;
-
there is no guarantee that the materials would intumesce at any stage during the
life of a ship and there is no means of knowing if materials have lost their
ability to intumesce;
-
they are unrecognisable from ordinary paints and coatings and any deteriorating
material may be removed and inadvertently replaced by an ordinary paint or
coating;
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they may deteriorate unknowingly in concealed spaces; and
-
they may be affected by water or hydrocarbons.
14.2.4 Wood Construction: Machinery space boundaries should have an equivalent level of
fire protection when compared to FRP construction.
14.2.5 For multi-hull vessels with separate machinery spaces, each space can be
considered separately in interpretation of total installed power provided that any
common connecting service duct is fitted with a structural fire barrier to prevent the
passage of smoke and flame in either direction for a period of 15 minutes.
14.2.6 Vessels that carry Dangerous Goods should note section 29.3.2 and 29.4.3.
14.3 Insulation
14.3.1 Thermal or acoustic insulation fitted inside the machinery space should be of
non-combustible material.
14.3.2 The thermal or acoustic insulation will be considered as being a
non-combustible material if it complies with BS EN ISO 4589 Part 3, and the material has
an Oxygen Index greater than 21, or if it fulfils the requirements of Appendix 10 or the
IMO International Code for application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code
2010), Part 1, Non Combustibility Test (see Appendix 13).
14.3.3 Insulation should be protected against impregnation by flammable
vapours and liquids. Where insulation is cut, the edges should be protected against such
impregnation, e.g. by the use of non-combustible tape. Where the insulation is
vulnerable to damage it should be protected.
14.4 Cleanliness and Pollution Prevention
14.4.1 Provision should be made to retain any oil leakage within the confines of the
machinery space.
14.4.2 In a vessel constructed of wood, measures should be taken to prevent absorption
of oil into the structure.
14.4.3 When it is impracticable to fit a metal drip tray in way of the engine, the use
of the engine bearers as a means of containment of the oil may be accepted when they are
of sufficient height and have no limber holes. Provision should be made for the clearing
of spillage and drainage collected in the machinery space.
14.4.4 Efficient means should be provided to ensure that all residues of persistent oils
are collected and retained on-board for discharge to collection facilities ashore.
Reference should also be made to section 28, Pollution Prevention
14.4.5 The machinery space should be kept clean and clear of oily waste, except when
oily waste kept in a dedicated stowage tank.
14.4.6 Where petrol engines are carried on board, reference should be made to section
7.3
14.5 Open Flame Appliances and Gas Installations
14.5.1 Open flame gas appliances provided for cooking, heating or any other purposes,
should comply with the requirements of EC Directive 2009/142/ECfootnote (“Council Directive of 30 November 2009 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to appliances burning gaseous
fuels"), so far as the requirements of the Directive apply to any particular appliance,
and be suitable for marine use and installation in boats.
14.5.2 Installation of a gas appliance should be in accordance with a recognised
standard listed in the Standards Appendix 13, or equivalent, and Appendix 5 - Gas
Installations.
14.5.3 Materials which are in the vicinity of open flame cooking or heating appliances
should be non-combustible, except that these materials may be faced with any surface
finish having a Class 1 surface spread of flame rating when tested in accordance with a
recognised standard, see Standards Appendix 13.
14.5.4 Combustible materials, and other surfaces, which do not have a surface spread of
flame rating, should not be left unprotected within the following distances of a
standard cooker:
-
.1 400mm vertically above the cooker, for horizontal surfaces, when the vessel is
upright;
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.2 125mm horizontally from the cooker, for vertical surfaces.
14.5.5 Curtains, or any other suspended textile materials, should not be fitted within
600mm of any open flame cooking, heating or other appliance.
14.5.6 With regard to section 14.5.4 and 14.5.5 above, ISO 9094 will be considered as
acceptable. See Appendix 13.
14.5.7 Where open flame cooking or heating appliances are installed in or adjacent to
accommodation areas, efficient carbon monoxide (CO) detector(s) should be fitted. It is
strongly recommended that CO detection is provided in accommodation and other accessible
spaces where there is a possibility of exhaust gas penetration in the event of an
exhaust leak.
14.5.8 Newly installed gas installations should be inspected by a ‘Gas Safe Marine’
qualified technician (or equivalent if outside the UK) and issued with a safety
certificate. It is strongly recommended that such inspections are carried out annually
on all gas installations.
14.6 Liquid Fuelled Galley Cookers and Heating Appliances
14.6.1 The space within which a (diesel) heater installation is fitted should be treated
as an area of risk from fire. The heater should preferably be located in the machinery
space, if the heater is not located in the machinery space there should be capability to
discharge extinguishing medium into the space without entering the space. There should
be a procedure in place to avoid asphyxiation of personnel especially if it is in an
accommodation space.
14.6.2 Diesel is the only fuel with a flashpoint under 60deg C which is permitted for
use in cookers or heating appliances. The use of petrol is not permitted for cookers or
heating appliances.
14.6.3 Fuel tanks shall not be fitted in spaces which contain heating appliances.
14.6.4 Fuel pipes for Liquid Fuelled Galley Cookers and Heating Appliances should comply
with sections 7.4.4 to 7.4.12.
14.6.5 The supply of oil shall be capable of being controlled outside that space (i.e. a
remote operated valve should be fitted).
14.6.6 Cookers and heaters should be installed and any modifications made in accordance
with the instructions supplied by the appliance manufacturer and in conformity with this
section. In addition heaters should be designed and constructed to meet the following
general requirements:
- - be suitable for marine use;
- - be able to operate at angles of 15 degrees in any direction;
- - have overheat control devices;
- - have a flame failure device if the fuel supply is pressurized, unless it is a
wick type burner.
14.6.7 Heaters and their exhaust systems should be installed outside spaces where
flammable vapours can accumulate.
14.6.8 Exhaust systems should be installed in accordance with appliance manufacturers’
guidance and such that the surrounding structure is suitably protected from it and
arranged to allow the required dissipation of heat.
14.6.9 Design and installation of the appliance should consider the use in the marine
environment, for example vibration, vessel movements, temperatures, humidity and
corrosion.
14.6.10 Appliances operating controls should be located to be accessible, and to
minimise possible injury from burners when not in use.
14.6.11 Heaters should be installed so that the outgoing products of combustion pass
through sealed ductwork terminating outside the vessel.
14.6.12 Where user awareness for the safe operation of an appliance is required, a
durable, permanently legible sign covering the operation, including refuelling procedure
if applicable, and any unique hazards involved with its use, shall be provided on it in
the immediate vicinity.
14.6.13 Where liquid fired cooking or heating appliances are installed in or adjacent to
accommodation areas, efficient CO detector(s) should be fitted. It is strongly
recommended that CO detection is provided in accommodation and other accessible spaces
where there is a possibility of exhaust gas penetration in the event of an exhaust leak.
14.6.14 Reference should be made to Appendix 5.B and Appendix 13.
14.7 Furnishing Materials
14.7.1 Combustion Modified High Resilient (CMHR) foams should be used in upholstered
furniture and mattresses.
14.7.2 Upholstery covering fabrics should satisfy the cigarette and butane flame tests
of a recognised standard see Appendix 13, or see Appendix 10, or equivalent.
14.8 Fire Detection
14.8.1 In all vessels efficient fire detectors should be fitted in the machinery
space(s), galley areas and spaces containing heaters or open flame devices, areas of
concentrated electrical equipment and other areas at risk from fire.
14.8.2 On any vessel, where an area is identified by the Certifying Authority as posing
a fire risk to either passengers, industrial personnel or crew (e.g. sleeping
accommodation), fire detection equipment shall be installed to protect that area.
14.8.3 The fire detectors should be appropriate to the hazard identified and should give
an audible warning that can be heard in the space concerned, and in the control
position, when the vessel is in operation. Fire detectors in machinery spaces should
detect smoke and heat, or flame.
14.8.4 Efficient fire detectors may be required in order to comply with section 14.9.3.
14.8.5 CO detection is not required when heating or cooking is undertaken using
electrical cookers or heaters. It is strongly recommended that CO detection (with
audible alarm) is provided in accommodation and other accessible spaces where there is a
possibility of exhaust gas penetration in the event of an exhaust leak. See Appendix 13.
Additional CO detection should be installed as per 14.5.7 and 14.6.13.
14.9 Means of Escape
14.9.1 Two means of escape should be provided in;
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.1 accommodation spaces used for sleeping or rest; and
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.2 other accommodation spaces affected by a fire risk; and
-
.3 machinery spaces affected by a fire risk except;
-
.1 those spaces visited only occasionally, or unmanned during normal
operation, and where the single access gives ready escape, at all times, in
the event of fire; or
-
.2 those spaces where any person entering, and moving about the space, is
within 5 metres of the single entrance, at all times.
14.9.2 The means of escape should be such that a single hazardous event will not cut-off
both escape routes. Only in the exceptional case, such that the overall safety of the
vessel would be diminished, should means of escape contrary to section 14.9.1.1,
14.9.1.2 or 14.9.1.3 be accepted.
14.9.3 In the exceptional case where a single means of escape from accommodation spaces
is accepted, efficient fire detectors should be provided, as necessary, to give early
warning of a fire emergency which could cut off that single means of escape. Such
detection should be located in the escape route and also in the spaces of high fire risk
e.g. machinery and galley as appropriate. The alarm should be clearly audible in the
accommodation space with cabin door(s) closed and under normal maximum ambient noise
conditions. Detection in galley areas should be by heat detectors sited as close as
practicable to the potential source of fire.
14.9.4 Means of escape should be clearly marked for their purpose on both sides, and the
function of each escape route demonstrated by practical tests to the satisfaction of the
Certifying Authority.
14.9.5 When considering a means of escape, 5.2.1.4 should also be considered.
14.9.6 When carrying dangerous goods (section 29) owners / managing agents / masters
should ensure ready means of escape and means of safe access to survival craft in the
event of a fire / explosion when carrying dangerous goods, under the Merchant Shipping
(Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No. 2367), as amended.
14.10 Fire and Safety Plan
14.10.1 For complex workboats (those required to have a Stability Information Booklet or
with a total installed power >750kW) it is recommended that a fire control and safety
(general arrangement) plan(s) is prominently displayed on the vessel for the guidance of
the Master and crew of the vessel. The content of the plan(s) should adequately show and
describe the principal fire prevention appliances, detection and protection equipment
and materials, it should show the number, positions of stowage of the life-saving
equipment, means of access and emergency escapes for compartments and decks, locations
and means of control of systems and openings which should be closed down in a fire
emergency.
14.10.2 As far as practical, symbols used on the plans should comply with a recognised
international standard.
14.10.3 The plan(s) should be kept up to date.
14.10.4 Owners / managing agents should be aware that some foreign flag administrations
may also require this plan to be verified by the Certifying Authority.