Section 1 Fire Prevention and Extinction

1.1.1  Fire prevention and fighting measures for the hull, hull weather deck and liquefied gas offloading facilities are generally to be in compliance with the following Sections, which reflect the requirements of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code). However, alternative fire protection and fire mitigating measures may be considered to be appropriate following assessment via the installation Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE), (see Pt 7, Ch 3 Fire Safety) dependent upon the unit’s fire-fighting and safety philosophy. The various requirements of Pt 7 Safety Systems, Hazardous Areas and Fire should also be fully referenced in connection with fire-fighting and fire mitigating measures. When referred to in this Chapter the hull and hull weather deck are intended to include the cargo area, the machinery spaces, the accommodation, service spaces and control stations in the hull and in the superstructure, but exclude the topside facilities, process plants, external or internal turrets, if fitted, or deckhouses therein.

1.1.3  Emergency escape breathing devices, in addition to those required by Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.1 Fire safety requirements 1.1.2.(e), should be available as determined by the escape, evacuation and rescue analysis of the unit.

1.1.4  In the hull, all sources of ignition should be excluded from spaces where flammable vapour may be present, except as otherwise provided in Pt 11, Ch 10 Electrical Installations and Pt 11, Ch 16 Use of Cargo as Fuel. For the topsides areas of the unit, sources of ignition should be minimised where practicable, but must always be certified for any defined hazardous area in which it is intended to operate. See also Pt 7, Ch 1 Safety and Communication Systems and Pt 7, Ch 2 Hazardous Areas and Ventilation with regard to mitigation of ignition risks.

1.1.5 The provisions of this Section apply in conjunction with Pt 11, Ch 3 Ship Arrangements.

1.1.6 For the purposes of fire fighting, any weather deck areas above cofferdams, ballast or void spaces at the after end of the aftermost hold space or at the forward end of the forwardmost hold space shall be included in the cargo area.

1.2.1 All ship units, irrespective of size, with bulk liquefied gas storage and/or vapour discharge and loading manifolds/facilities, carrying products specified in Pt 11, Ch 19 Summary of Minimum Requirements are in general to comply with the requirements of SOLAS regulations 2 Water supply systems, except that the required fire pump capacity and fire main and water service pipe diameter should not be limited by the provisions of regulations 2.2 Fire pumps .2.18 and 2.1 Fire mains and hydrant .1.5. When a fire pump is used as part of the water spray system, as permitted by Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.3 Water-spray system 1.3.3 of this Chapter, the capacity of this fire pump shall be such that these areas can be protected when simultaneously supplying two jets of water from fire hoses with 19 mm nozzles at a pressure of at least 5,0 bar gauge for hydrants located at hull, hull weather deck and liquefied gas offloading facilities. For hydrant located on topsides facilities, the pressure should be at least 3,5 bar gauge for two operational hydrants at the hydrant outlet valve upstream of the utilised hydrant hose.

1.2.2  In addition to Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.2 Fire mains and hydrants 1.2.1, the fire pump capacity and fire main should be sized to supply all credible fire water demands associated with a credible installation fire scenario determined via the Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE).

1.2.3  For the purpose of application of Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.2 Fire mains and hydrants 1.2.6, the capability to remain functional is to be regarded as the ability of the system to perform its function after exposure to the indicated temperature. That may be demonstrated using components and materials of suitable characteristics and of an approved type, where applicable.

1.2.4 The arrangements shall be such that at least two jets of water can reach any part of the deck in the cargo area, those portions of the cargo containment system and tank covers that are above the deck, and topside areas. The necessary number of fire hydrants shall be located to satisfy the above arrangements and to comply with the requirements of SOLAS regulations 2.1 Fire mains and hydrant .1.13 and 2.3 Fire hoses and nozzles .3.8, taking into account the length of the hoses used at the location. The hose length should not be greater than 15 m in hull machinery spaces and should not be greater than 20 m in topsides areas, due to space constraints to enable the hose to be laid out by a fire team in a fire incident. In addition, the requirements of regulation 2.1 Fire mains and hydrant .1.15 shall be met at a pressure of at least 5.0 bar gauge at the hydrant outlet valve upstream of the utilised hydrant hose.

1.2.5 Stop valves shall be fitted in any crossover provided and in the fire main or mains in a protected location, before entering the cargo area and at intervals ensuring isolation of any damaged single section of the fire main, so that regulation Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.2 Fire mains and hydrants 1.2.4 can be complied with using not more than two lengths of hoses from the nearest fire hydrant. The water supply to the fire main serving the cargo area shall be a ring main supplied by the main fire pumps or a single main supplied by fire pumps positioned outside the cargo area. The main installation firewater pumps are to be positioned to ensure a high degree of firewater pump redundancy and firewater supply integrity in potential major installation fire scenarios.

1.2.6 All nozzles provided for fire hoses shall be of an approved dual purpose type, capable of producing either a spray or a jet. All pipes, valves, nozzles and other fittings in the fire fighting systems shall be resistant to corrosion by sea water. Fixed piping, fittings and related components within the cargo area (except gaskets) shall be designed to withstand 925°C and remain functional.

1.2.7 After installation, the pipes, valves, fittings and assembled system shall be subject to a tightness and function test.

1.3.2 The system shall be capable of covering all areas mentioned in Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.3 Water-spray system 1.3.1.(a) with a uniformly distributed water application rate of at least 10 l/m²/minute for the largest projected horizontal surfaces and 4 l/m²/minute for vertical surfaces. For structures having no clearly defined horizontal or vertical surface, the capacity of the water application shall not be less than the projected horizontal surface multiplied by 10 l/m²/minute.

On vertical surfaces, spacing of nozzles protecting lower areas may take account of anticipated rundown from higher areas. Stop valves shall be fitted in the spray water application main supply line(s), at intervals not exceeding 40 m, for the purpose of isolating damaged sections. Alternatively, the system may be divided into two or more sections that may be operated independently, provided the necessary controls are located together in a readily accessible position outside of the cargo area. A section protecting any area included in Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.3 Water-spray system 1.3.1.(a) and (b) shall cover at least the entire athwartship tank grouping in that area. Any gas process unit(s) included in Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.3 Water-spray system 1.3.1.(c) may be served by an independent section.

1.3.3 The capacity of the water application pumps shall be capable of simultaneous protection of any two complete athwartship tank groupings, including any gas process units within these areas in addition to surfaces specified in Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.3 Water-spray system 1.3.1.(d) to (g). Alternatively, the main fire pumps may be used for this service provided that their total capacity is increased by the amount needed for the water-spray application system. In either case a connection, through a stop valve, shall be made between the fire main and waterspray application system main supply line outside of the cargo area. See also Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.2 Fire mains and hydrants 1.2.2.

1.3.4  The maximum credible firewater demand should be determined in the installation Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE) based on the credible activation of water spray systems detailed in this section and any additional topside module and hydrant demands. The installation main firewater pumps should be sized suitably to supply the defined maximum credible firewater demand. The installation design should incorporate a suitable allowance for firewater pump redundancy. This redundancy is to allow for failure of a firewater pump on demand or loss of a firewater pump for maintenance without incurring potential lost production on the installation due to the loss of firewater supply. Permanently manned hydrocarbon installations typically have two 100 per cent or three 50 per cent firewater pumps designed to meet the installation’s defined largest credible firewater demand scenario (i.e. the installation’s 100 per cent firewater demand). However, other configurations of firewater pump supply redundancy may be acceptable for an installation, subject to suitable demonstration (for example, normally unmanned installations often do not have any dedicated firewater pumps).

1.3.5 Water pumps normally used for other services may be arranged to supply the water-spray application system main supply line. However, the suitability and reliability of any such pump would need to be demonstrated as equal to that required by a defined firewater pump.

1.3.6 All pipes, valves, nozzles and other fittings in the water application systems shall be resistant to corrosion by seawater. Galvanised pipework may be considered for this service but copper nickel alloy or stainless steel pipework which is rated for marine/sea-water/fire-fighting service is recommended for installations. Piping, fittings and related components within the cargo area (except gaskets) shall be designed to withstand 925°C. The water application system shall be arranged with in-line filters to prevent blockage of pipes and nozzles. In addition means shall be provided to back flush the system with fresh water.

1.3.7 Remote starting of pumps supplying the water application system and remote operation of any normally closed valves in the system shall be arranged in suitable locations outside the cargo area, adjacent to the accommodation spaces and readily accessible and operable in the event of fire in the protected areas.

1.3.8 After installation, the pipes, valves, fittings and assembled system shall be subject to a tightness and function test.

1.3.9  The provision of fixed firewater fire-fighting facilities over topsides process module areas should be established based on the fire-fighting risks and philosophy derived for the installation via the Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE).

1.4.1 Dependent upon the conclusions of the Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE) and the installation’s fire-fighting and safety philosophy, consideration for ship units should be given to the provision of fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems, complying with the provisions of the Guidelines developed by IMO (IMO (MSC.1/Circ. 1315)), for the purpose of fire-fighting on the deck in the cargo area, including all cargo liquid and vapour discharge and loading connections on deck and cargo handling areas as applicable. Should a system not be fitted as a result of the conclusions mentioned above, final acceptance of the proposal should be to the satisfaction of the Flag Administration, if applicable.

1.4.2 The system shall be capable of delivering powder from at least two hand hose lines, or a combination of monitor/hand hose lines, to any part of the exposed cargo area, cargo liquid and vapour piping, load/unload connections and exposed gas process units.

1.4.3 The dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system shall be designed with not less than two independent units. Any part required to be protected by Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.4 Dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems 1.4.2 shall be capable of being reached from not less than two independent units with associated controls, pressurising medium fixed piping, monitors or hand hose lines. A monitor shall be arranged to protect any load/unload connection areas and be capable of actuation and discharge both locally and remotely. The monitor is not required to be remotely aimed if it can deliver the necessary powder to all required areas of coverage from a single position. One hose line shall be provided at both port and starboard side at the end of the cargo area facing the accommodation and readily available from the accommodation.

1.4.4 A fire-extinguishing unit having two or more monitors, hand hose lines, or combinations thereof, should have independent pipes with a manifold at the powder container, unless alternative means are provided, with a level of performance acceptable to LR. Where two or more pipes are attached to a unit the arrangement should be such that any or all of the monitors and hand hose lines should be capable of simultaneous or sequential operation at their rated capacities. The components associated with the dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system(s) are to be in accordance with an acceptable national or international standard, and be of an approved type where appropriate.

1.4.5 The capacity of a monitor shall be not less than 10 kg/s. Hand hose lines shall be non-kinkable and be fitted with a nozzle capable of on/off operation and discharge at a rate not less than 3,5 kg/s. The maximum discharge rate shall allow operation by one man. The length of a hand hose line shall not exceed 33 m. Where fixed piping is provided between the powder container and a hand hose line or monitor, the length of piping shall not exceed that length which is capable of maintaining the powder in a fluidised state during sustained or intermittent use, and which can be purged of powder when the system is shut down. Hand hose lines and nozzles shall be of weather-resistant construction or stored in weather resistant housing or covers and be readily accessible.

1.4.6 Hand hose lines shall be considered to have a maximum effective distance of coverage equal to the length of hose. Special consideration shall be given where areas to be protected are substantially higher than the monitor or hand hose reel locations.

1.4.7 Ship units fitted with bow, stern load/unload connections shall be provided with independent dry powder units protecting the cargo liquid and vapour piping, aft or forward of the cargo area, by hose lines and a monitor covering the bow, stern load/unload complying with the requirements of Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.4 Dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems 1.4.1 to Pt 11, Ch 11, 1.4 Dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems 1.4.6.

1.4.8 After installation, the pipes, valves, fittings and assembled systems shall be subjected to a tightness test and functional testing of the remote and local release stations. The initial testing shall also include a discharge of sufficient amounts of dry chemical powder to verify that the system is in proper working order. All distribution piping shall be blown through with dry air to ensure that the piping is free of obstructions.

1.5.1 Enclosed spaces meeting the criteria of cargo machinery spaces in Pt 11, Ch 1, 1.3 Definitions 1.3.1.(j), and the cargo motor room within the cargo area of any ship unit, shall be provided with a fixed fire extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the FSS Code and taking into account the necessary concentrations/application rate required for extinguishing gas fires.

1.5.2  Cargo machinery spaces shall be protected by an appropriate fire-extinguishing system for the cargo carried. The system is to be of a type acceptable to LR, and approved by the unit’s Flag Administration (if applicable).

1.5.3  The fire risks associated with the turret compartments of any ship unit are to be fully assessed within the installation Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE). The firefighting/ mitigating measures associated with the turret (i.e. water spray, passive fire protection, isolation and blowdown, etc.) are to be based upon the fire risks determined within the Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE) and should be in line with the overall installation’s fire-fighting and safety philosophy.

1.6.1  In addition to the requirements outlined in this Section, further facilities may be required on the installation based on the fire-fighting risks and philosophy derived for the installation via the Fire and Explosion Evaluation (FEE).

1.6.3 Additional requirements for safety equipment are given in Pt 11, Ch 14 Personnel Protection.

1.6.4 Any breathing apparatus required as part of a firefighter’s outfit shall be a self-contained compressed air-operated breathing apparatus having a capacity of at least 1200 l of free air.

1.7.1  In addition to Pt 7, Ch 3, 3.6 Passive fire protection, Passive Fire Protection Systems and their components, when installed in locations where they may be exposed to releases of cryogenic products, should take into account the impact of such release on their performance and rating.