Section 7 Fire protection and extinction

7.1.1 In general, the coal bunkers are to be separated from adjacent spaces by `AO' divisions, but where such spaces are intended to contain highly flammable substances, such as the cargo tanks of an oil tanker, they are to be separated from the coal bunkers by a cofferdam or equivalent space.

7.1.2 The spaces above the coal in the coal bunkers and coal processing spaces are to be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases. The ventilators are to be provided with means of closure which are readily accessible at all times. Where mechanical ventilation is provided, means are to be provided for stopping the fans from a position which will be readily accessible at all times.

7.2.1 A fixed fire-extinguishing system should be provided in the coal bunkers. This system should discharge CO₂, but alternative arrangements such as water flooding will be considered, see also Pt 7, Ch 7, 4.3 Coal bunker bulkheads.

7.2.2 Where, due to operating conditions, it is considered likely that coal dust in significant quantities will be present in the coal crushing and conveying system, an explosion suppression system is to be provided in the coal crushing and conveying system. Activation of the explosion suppression system is to operate an audible and visual alarm.

7.2.3 A fixed fire-extinguishing system should be provided in the ready-use coal hopper and this should be extended to the boiler room, if there is any danger of the spread of fire to that space. The system should depend on CO₂, but alternative extinguishing media will be considered. Where it can be shown that the residence time, of the coal in the hopper, is of sufficiently short duration that a fire in the hopper is unlikely to be sustained, consideration will be given to dispensing with this requirement.