3 Engineering specifications for helidecks and helicopter landing areas
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - FSS Code - Fire Safety Systems – Resolution MSC.98(73) - Annex - International Code For Fire Safety Systems - Chapter 17 - Helicopter Facility Foam Firefighting Appliances - 3 Engineering specifications for helidecks and helicopter landing areas

3 Engineering specifications for helidecks and helicopter landing areas

3.1 The system shall be capable of manual release, and may be arranged for automatic release.

3.2 For helidecks the foam system shall contain at least two fixed foam monitors or deck integrated foam nozzles. In addition, at least two hose reels fitted with a foam-making branch pipe and non-collapsible hose sufficient to reach any part of the helideck shall be provided. The minimum foam system discharge rate shall be determined by multiplying the D-value area by 6 l/min/m2. The minimum foam system discharge rate for deck integrated foam nozzle systems shall be determined by multiplying the overall helideck area by 6 l/min/m2. Each monitor shall be capable of supplying at least 50% of the minimum foam system discharge rate, but not less than 500 l/min. The minimum discharge rate of each hose reel shall be at least 400 l/min. The quantity of foam concentrate shall be adequate to allow operation of all connected discharge devices for at least 5 min.

3.3 Where foam monitors are installed, the distance from the monitor to the farthest extremity of the protected area shall be not more than 75% of the monitor throw in still air conditions.

3.4 For helicopter landing areas, at least two portable foam applicators or two hose reel foam stations shall be provided, each capable of discharging a minimum foam solution discharge rate, in accordance with the following table.

Category Helicopter overall length (D-value) Minimum foam solution discharge rate (l/min)
H1 up to but not including 15 m 250
H2 from 15 m up to but not including 24 m 500
H3 from 24 m up to but not including 35 m 800

The quantity of foam concentrate shall be adequate to allow operation of all connected discharge devices for at least 10 min. For tankers fitted with a deck foam system, the Administration may consider an alternative arrangement, taking into account the type of foam concentrate to be used.

3.5 Manual release stations capable of starting necessary pumps and opening required valves, including the fire main system, if used for water supply, shall be located at each monitor and hose reel. In addition, a central manual release station shall be provided at a protected location. The foam system shall be designed to discharge foam with nominal flow and at design pressure from any connected discharge devices within 30 s of activation.

3.6 Activation of any manual release station shall initiate the flow of foam solution to all connected hose reels, monitors, and deck integrated foam nozzles.

3.7 The system and its components shall be designed to withstand ambient temperature changes, vibration, humidity, shock impact and corrosion normally encountered on the open deck, and shall be manufactured and tested to the satisfaction of the Administration.

3.8 A minimum nozzle throw of at least 15 m shall be provided with all hose reels and monitors discharging foam simultaneously. The discharge pressure, flow rate and discharge pattern of deck integrated foam nozzles shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, based on tests that demonstrate the nozzle's capability to extinguish fires involving the largest size helicopter for which the helideck is designed.

3.9 Monitors, foam-making branch pipes, deck integrated foam nozzles and couplings shall be constructed of brass, bronze or stainless steel. Piping, fittings and related components, except gaskets, shall be designed to withstand exposure to temperatures up to 925ºC.

3.10 The foam concentrate shall be demonstrated effective for extinguishing aviation fuel spill fires and shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization.footnote Where the foam storage tank is on the exposed deck, freeze protected foam concentrates shall be used, if appropriate, for the area of operation.

3.11 Any foam system equipment installed within the take-off and approach obstacle-free sector shall not exceed a height of 0.25 m. Any foam system equipment installed in the limited obstacle sector shall not exceed the height permitted for objects in this area.

3.12 All manual release stations, monitor foam stations, hose reel foam stations, hose reels and monitors shall be provided with a means of access that does not require travel across the helideck or helicopter landing area.

3.13 Oscillating monitors, if used, shall be pre-set to discharge foam in a spray pattern and have a means of disengaging the oscillating mechanism to allow rapid conversion to manual operation.

3.14 If a foam monitor with flow rate up to 1,000 l/min is installed, it shall be equipped with an air-aspirating nozzle. If a deck integrated nozzle system is installed, then the additionally installed hose reel shall be equipped with an air-aspirating handline nozzle (foam branch pipes). Use of non-air-aspirating foam nozzles (on both monitors and the additional hose reel) is permitted only where foam monitors with a flow rate above 1,000 l/min are installed. If only portable foam applicators or hose reel stations are provided, these shall be equipped with an air-aspirating handline nozzle (foam branch pipes).

Parent topic: Chapter 17 - Helicopter Facility Foam Firefighting Appliances
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