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SOLAS Chapter II: Fire Safety Standards

This document summarizes SOLAS Chapter II construction requirements for fire safety, including definitions for "A", "B", and "C" class divisions based on insulation and temperature rise. It also outlines requirements for fire patrols, portable radios, cabin doors, international shore connections, fire hoses, nozzles, extinguishers, equipment storage, training, and helicopter facility fire appliances. Key requirements include minimum insulation standards for division classes, patrol systems for ships over 36 passengers, self-closing cabin doors, international shore connections for ships over 500 tons, minimum hose lengths, number of extinguishers for ship size, storage of equipment, and fire-fighting appliances near helicopter decks.

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301 views5 pages

SOLAS Chapter II: Fire Safety Standards

This document summarizes SOLAS Chapter II construction requirements for fire safety, including definitions for "A", "B", and "C" class divisions based on insulation and temperature rise. It also outlines requirements for fire patrols, portable radios, cabin doors, international shore connections, fire hoses, nozzles, extinguishers, equipment storage, training, and helicopter facility fire appliances. Key requirements include minimum insulation standards for division classes, patrol systems for ships over 36 passengers, self-closing cabin doors, international shore connections for ships over 500 tons, minimum hose lengths, number of extinguishers for ship size, storage of equipment, and fire-fighting appliances near helicopter decks.

Uploaded by

amditra
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SOLAS – CHAPTER II

Construction – Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical


installations

‘‘A’’ class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads and decks which comply with
the following criteria:
- they are insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average
temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140 OC above the original
temperature. nor will the temperature, at any one point, including any joint, rise
more than 180OC above the original temperature.

‘‘B’’ class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads, decks, ceilings or linings which
comply with the following criteria:
- they have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed
side will not rise more than 140OC above the original temperature, nor will the
temperature at any one point,including any joint, rise more than 225OC above the
original temperature.

‘‘C’’ class divisions are divisions constructed of approved noncombustible materials. They
need meet neither requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame nor limitations
relative to the temperature rise. Combustible veneers are permitted provided they meet the
requirements of this chapter.

Non-combustible material is a material which neither burns nor gives off flammable vapours
in sufficient quantity for self-ignition when heated to approximately 750 OC, this being
determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

2.1 Limitations in the use of oils as fuel


The following limitations shall apply to the use of oil as fuel:
.1 except as otherwise permitted by this paragraph, no oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than
60 8C shall be used;*
.2 in emergency generators, oil fuel with a flashpoint of not less than 43 8 C may be used;
.3 the use of oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60 8 C but not less than 438 C may be
permitted (e.g., for feeding the emergency fire pump’s engines and the auxiliary machines
which are not located in the machinery spaces of category A) .

8.1 Fire patrols


For ships carrying more than 36 passengers, an efficient patrol system shall be maintained
so that an outbreak of fire may be promptly detected. Each member of the fire patrol shall
be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and
operation of any equipment he may be called upon to use.
8.3 Two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus
Each member of the fire patrol shall be provided with a two-way portable radiotelephone
apparatus.

[Link] Cabin doors in ‘‘B’’ class divisions shall be of a self-closing type. Hold-back hooks are
not permitted.

2.1.7 International shore connection


[Link] Ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards shall be provided with at least one
international shore connection complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code.

[Link] Facilities shall be available enabling such a connection to be used on either side of
the ship.

2.3 Fire hoses and nozzles


[Link] Fire hoses shall be of non-perishable material approved by the Administration and
shall be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may
be required to be used. Each hose shall
be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings.

Fire hoses shall have a length of at least 10 m, but not more than:
.1 15 m in machinery spaces;
.2 20 m in other spaces and open decks; and
.3 25 m for open decks on ships with a maximum breadth in excess of 30 m.

[Link] In cargo ships:


.1 of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall
be one for each 30 m length of the ship and one spare, but in no case less than five in all.

2.3.3 Size and types of nozzles


[Link] For the purposes of this chapter, standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 mm, 16 mm and
19 mm or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the
discretion of the Administration.
[Link] For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 mm need not
be used.
[Link] Nozzles shall be of an approved dual-purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating
a shutoff.

3 Portable fire extinguishers*


3.3 Spare charges
3.3.1 Spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first ten extinguishers and 50% of the
remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged on board. Not more than sixty total
spare charges are required. Instructions for recharging shall be carried on board.
3.3.2 For fire extinguishers which cannot be recharged on board, additional portable fire
extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in paragraph
3.3.1 above shall be provided in lieu of spare charges.
6.3 Spaces containing flammable liquid
6.3.1 Paint lockers shall be protected by:
.1 a carbon dioxide system, designed to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to
40% of the gross volume of the protected space;
.2 a dry powder system, designed for at least 0.5 kg powder/m3;
.3 a water spraying or sprinkler system, designed for 5 l/m2 min. Water spraying
systems may be connected to the fire main of the ship; or
.4 a system providing equivalent protection, as determined by the Administration.

10 Fire-fighter’s outfits
10.1 Types of fire-fighter’s outfits Fire-fighter’s outfits shall comply with the Fire Safety
Systems Code.
10.2 Number of fire-fighter’s outfits
10.2.1 Ships shall carry at least two fire-fighter’s outfits.
10.2.3 In addition, in tankers, two fire-fighter’s outfits shall be provided.
10.2.5 Two spare charges shall be provided for each required breathing apparatus.
Passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and cargo ships that are equipped
with suitably located means for fully recharging the air cylinders free from contamination
need carry only one spare charge for each required apparatus. In passenger ships carrying
more than 36 passengers, at least two spare charges for each breathing apparatus shall be
provided.
10.3 Storage of fire-fighter’s outfits
10.3.1 The fire-fighter’s outfits or sets of personal equipment shall be kept ready for use in
an easily accessible location. they shall be stored in widely separated positions.

3.4 Emergency escape breathing devices


3.4.2 All ships shall carry at least two emergency escape breathing devices within
accommodation spaces.
3.4.3 In all passenger ships, at least two emergency escape breathing devices shall be
carried in each main vertical zone.
3.4.4 In all passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, two emergency escape
breathing devices, in addition to those required in paragraph 3.4.3 above, shall be carried in
each main vertical zone.
3.4.5 However, paragraphs 3.4.3 and 3.4.4 do not apply to stairway enclosures which
constitute individual main vertical zones and to the main vertical zones in the fore or aft end
of a ship which do not contain spaces of categories (6), (7), (8) or (12) as defined in
regulation [Link].

2.2 Maintenance, testing and inspections


2.2.2 The maintenance plan shall be kept on board the ship and shall be available for
inspection whenever required by the Administration.
2.2.3 The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection systems and
fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed:
.1 fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants, including hoses, nozzles and international
shore connections;
.2 fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.3 fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing appliances;
.4 automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.5 ventilation systems, including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their controls;
.6 emergency shutdown of fuel supply;
.7 fire doors, including their controls;
.8 general emergency alarm systems;
.9 emergency escape breathing devices;
.10 portable fire extinguishers, including spare charges; and
.11 fire-fighter’s outfits.

2.3 Training manuals


2.3.4 The training manual shall explain the following in detail:
.1 general fire safety practice and precautions related to the dangers of smoking, electrical
hazards, flammable liquids and similar common shipboard hazards;
.2 general instructions on fire-fighting activities and fire-fighting procedures, including
procedures for notification of a fire and use of manually operated call points;
.3 meanings of the ship’s alarms;
.4 operation and use of fire-fighting systems and appliances;
.5 operation and use of fire doors;
.6 operation and use of fire and smoke dampers; and
.7 escape systems and appliances.

Regulation 18 - Helicopter facilities


5 Fire-fighting appliances
5.1 In close proximity to the helideck, the following fire-fighting appliances shall 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;
.2 carbon dioxide extinguishers of a total capacity of not less than 18 kg or equivalent;
.3 a suitable 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
helicopters
can operate. The system shall be capable of delivering a discharge rate as required in table
18.1 for at least five minutes;
.4 the principal agent shall be suitable for use with salt water and conform to performance
standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization;*
.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 addition to the requirements of regulation 10.10, two sets of fire-fighter’s outfits; and
.7 at least the following equipment shall be stored in a manner that provides for immediate
use and protection from the elements:
.1 adjustable wrench;
.2 blanket, fire-resistant;
.3 cutters, bolt, 60 cm;
.4 hook, grab or salving;
.5 hacksaw, heavy duty complete with 6 spare blades;
.6 ladder;
.7 lift line 5 mm diameter and 15 m in length;
.8 pliers, side-cutting;
.9 set of assorted screwdrivers; and
.10 harness knife complete with sheath.

Common questions

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Ships carrying more than 36 passengers must maintain an efficient patrol system to promptly detect outbreaks of fire, provide each fire patrol member with a two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus, ensure cabin doors in 'B' class divisions are self-closing, and equip ships with at least one international shore connection. Moreover, these ships require additional emergency escape breathing devices in each main vertical zone .

Fire-fighter outfits must be ready for immediate use and stored in accessible locations, with a requirement to be placed in widely separated positions. This ensures that in emergencies, crew can rapidly access protective gear without delay, enhancing response time and safety during firefighting operations. In tankers, extra sets are mandatory, amplifying preparedness .

For spaces containing flammable liquids, such as paint lockers, specific fire protection systems must be installed. These can include a carbon dioxide system delivering 40% of the space’s gross volume or a dry powder system with at least 0.5 kg per cubic meter. Alternative protection, like water spraying systems with a minimum rate of 5 l/m2 per minute, may be used, connecting directly to the main ship’s fire supply if needed .

Readiness is ensured by requiring spare charges for 100% of the capacity of the first ten extinguishers and 50% of the remaining ones that can be recharged on board, with a cap of sixty total spare charges. For extinguishers that cannot be recharged on board, additional extinguishers of the same type and capacity must be provided in lieu of spare charges, ensuring constant operational availability .

SOLAS regulations restrict oil fuels primarily by flashpoint: oil fuel typically should have a flashpoint of no less than 60°C. However, in specific cases, oil fuel with a flashpoint of not less than 43°C may be used for emergency generators, and a flashpoint between 43°C and 60°C may be permitted for emergency pumps and auxiliary machines not located in machinery spaces .

SOLAS mandates helidecks to have at least two 45 kg dry powder extinguishers, adequate foam systems that can operate under all weather where helicopters function, two carbon dioxide extinguishers, dual-purpose nozzles, and fire-fighter outfits. These requirements ensure comprehensive fire readiness, addressing potential fire risks associated with aircraft operations .

Fire hoses aboard ships must be made of non-perishable material approved by the Administration, with sufficient length to target any required space. They must be 10-25 meters long, according to the space type, with at least 10 m in length, not exceeding 15 m in machinery spaces, 20 m in other spaces, and 25 m for wide open decks. Hoses need a nozzle and necessary couplings, with standard nozzle sizes of 12 mm, 16 mm, or 19 mm, which should be of a dual-purpose type allowing jet or spray discharge .

The Fire Safety Systems Code requires at least one international shore connection on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, facilitating the use of either side of the ship. This ensures compatibility and preparedness for firefighting operations utilizing external resources, promoting interoperability and support from shore facilities .

'A' class divisions must ensure the average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 140°C above the original temperature, and no point, including joints, rises more than 180°C above the original temperature. Conversely, 'B' class divisions allow the temperature at any point, including joints, to rise up to 225°C above the original temperature, indicating a less stringent requirement compared to 'A' class divisions with respect to thermal insulation .

The fire safety training manual must cover fire safety practices and precautions, general firefighting instructions including notification and manual call points usage, ship alarm meanings, various firefighting systems operation, use of fire doors, and smoke dampers. This comprehensive guide ensures all crew members are well-prepared to prevent and respond to fire emergencies efficiently .

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