NtS 278/1992 CO2-fixed firefighting installations

NOTICE TO SHIPPING No. 278/1992

(Construction, acceptance and periodical inspections of carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installations)

The Head of the Shipping Inspectorate:

Considering that for the implementation of the provisions of article 140, paragraph 1 (d) and the articles 5 and 66 of Annex IV of the Netherlands Shipping Order 1965 additional regulations must be given:

Having regard to article 174, paragraph 1 of the Netherlands Shipping Order 1965:

Hereby orders:
that the following provisions regarding the installation, acceptance and periodical inspections of carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installations on board ships shall be complied with:

Article 1 Drawings, specification of the quantity

Article 1. Drawings, specifications and calculation of the quantity of carbon dioxide.

For the installation or modification of a carbon-dioxide fire extinguishing installation the necessary drawings and descriptions, a calculation of the required quantity of carbon dioxide for the various spaces and a manual shall be submitted for approval in threefold. This manual shall contain detailed instructions in which way inspections have to be carried out as mentioned in Article 12 and also the operating instructions.

Article 10 Tests and inspections upon first acceptance

Article 10. Tests and inspections upon first acceptance of a fire extinghuising installation

Prior to the delivery of a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation the following tests and inspections shall be carried out:

10.1.1 The control on tightness of the high- and medium pressure plpmg sections including the section valve at a pressure of not less than 25 bar;

10.1.2 Testing of the proper operation of the arrangements for opening the cylinder valves and remote controlled stop valves, if any;

10.1.3 Testing of the alarm system under conditions of full engineroom operation;

10.1.4 Checking the setting of the spring loaded pressure relief valves at 120 bar;

10.1.5 Checking the proper discharge from the nozzles in the engineroom, boilerroom, pumproom and cargo spaces by means of air at an initial pressure of at least 25 bar or in an equivalent way, taking into consideration the dangers of suffocation. If the installation consists of not more than 20 cylinders (900 kg) this check should preferably not be carried out with asphyxiating gas;

10.1.6 Checking of the smoke detecting system by means of a smoke test if the carbon dioxide piping system in the cargo spaces is equipped for smoke detection;

10.1.7 Checking the leak-valves for proper operation.

10.1.8 Checking the complete installation for operational readiness.

10.2 The tests mentioned in 10.1 shall be carried out in the presence of a surveyor of the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. After approval by the Head of the Inspection Department, these tests may be carried out by a representative of a classification society as mentioned in article 3 of the Shipping Order 1965, or if the tests take place abroad, in the presence of a representative of the Administration of that country.

10.3 The outcome of the tests mentioned in this paragraph shall be entered in an acceptance report (Annex A), made out and signed by the official or representative in whose presence the tests were carried out.

10.4 One copy of this acceptance report shal be forwarded to the Head of the Inspection Department.

Article 11 Repairs and modifications

Article 11. Repairs and modifications to the installation

After extensive repairs or modification the sections of the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation involved shall be tested in accordance with the applicable provisions in Article 10.

Article 12 Periodical tests, controls and inspections

Article 12. Periodical tests, controls and inspections
At least once every twelve months the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation shall be subjected to the inspections as required in the manual mentioned in Article 1; The checking of the contents of the cylinders as mentioned under 12.1.7 for ships not being passengerships, may be carried out once every 24 months. The annual inspection, as far as the relevant parts are present, shall consist of at least the following:

12.1.1 External survey of the entire installation;

12.1.2 The entire piping system to be blown through with air of at least 6 bar;

12.1.3 The alarm system to be tested for good working order;

12.1.4 Checking of the contents of the pilot cylinders of the control units for the correct mass or pressure, as indicated on these bottles, where a mass reduction of not more than 5 percent, or a pressure reduction of not more than 10 percent may be allowed;

12.1.5 Checking the control and tightness of section valves of the installation, if necessary by means of the auxiliary source as mentioned in Article 4.12;

12.1.6 Checking the proper operation of the (pneumatic) arrangement for opening the cylinder valves as described in the manual;

12.1.7 Checking of the contents of every carbon dioxide cylinder including the cylinders as mentioned in Article 7 and 8; a decrease in weight of not more than 5 percent may be allowed. Of these checks, a certified report must be kept on board;

12.1.8 By an end-inspection, checking the operational readiness of the installation.

12.2 The annual inspections, and the findings, shall be noted in the ships log.

12.3 At least once every five years the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation shall be subjected to the following inspections, taking into account the directions given by the supplier and as far as the relevant parts are present:

12.4.1 Inspections as mentioned in 12.1;

12.4.2 Checking the tightness of the piping of the pilot cylinders to the opening arrangements of the cylinder valves, or other pilot piping, at a pressure of at least 25 bar;

12.4.3 Testing the setting of the springloaded safety valves at 120 bar;

12.4.4 Testing the tightness of the high-pressure section up to and including the section valve by means of air or asphyxiating gas at a pressure of not less than 25 bar;

12.4.5.1 Checking of the medium pressure and low-pressure section as well as the discharge in the cargo spaces by intensively blowing through with air or asphyxiating gas at an initial pressure of not less than 25 bar; the locations mentioned under Article 4.3 shall be made visible;

12.4.5.2 Checking the proper discharge from the nozzles in the engineroom, the boilerroom, the pumproom and any other relevant spaces by means of air or asphyxiating gas at an initial pressure of not less than 25 bar. The necessary safety precautions shall be observed when asphyxiating gas is used for this purpose. If the installation consists of not more than 20 cylinders (900 kg) this check should preferably not be carried out with asphyxiating gas;

12.4.6 Checking of the smoke detecting system by means of a smoke test if the carbon dioxide piping system in the cargo spaces is equipped for smoke detection;

12.4.7 Checking of the slow-leak valve for proper operation;

12.4.8 Checking the complete installation for operational readiness.

12.4.9 For tests and checks mentioned in 12.4.4, 12.4.5.1 and 12.4.5.2 asphyxiating gas from cylinders due for periodical survey as mentioned in 12.5 may be used.

12.5 At intervals of not more than 5 years at least 5 percent of the total number of cylinders in a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation shall be surveyed internally and externally and be pressure tested, taking care that the cylinders tested are not the same as those which were tested during previous periodical inspections. The date of testing and the surveyors stamp shall be punched in the surface of the cylinder. An authenticated test report with findings shall be forwarded to the Head of the Inspection Department. If the tests mentioned provide ground for this, a pressure test of all the cylinders of the battery may be requested by the Head of the Inspection Department.

12.6 Carbon dioxide cylinders showing a pennanent increase of capacity after a pressure test shall be condemned.

12.7 Prior to refilling the cylinders, the following shall be complied with:

• a visual inspection of the syphon tube by the official or representative supervising the survey as mentioned in 12.5.
• The renewal of the frangible disc;
• The tightness and, if applicable, the proper action of the valve shall be checked.

12.8 A statement shall be issued by the filling station showing that the cylinders have been filled with the required quantity of carbon dioxide.

12.9 Cylinders showing external signs of corrosion or pitting upon inspection may be designated to pass an intennediate survey as indicated in 12.4 to 12.8.

12.10 The periodical inspections indicated in 12.4 to 12.9 shall be carried out in the presence of a surveyor of the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. With the consent of the Head of the Inspection Department, these tests may be carried out by a representative of one of the Classification Societies mentioned in Article 3 of the Netherlants Shipping Order 1965, or when they take place abroad, under supervision of an official of the Administration of that country.

12.11 The results of the above mentioned tests shall be entered in a test report according to the model designated by the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate as represented in Annex A or B, depending on the kind of test, made out and signed by the person in whose presence the tests were carried out.

12.12 The testreport shall be submitted to the Head of the Inspection Department.

12.13 The required five-yearly inspection and the conclusions shall be noted in the ships' log.

Article 13 Notice to Shipping No. 164/1981 (Stcrt. 209) is revoked

The Notice to Shipping No. 164/1981 (Stcrt. 209) is revoked.

Article 14

Article 14
This Notice shall enter into force upon the 30th day after publication in the Netherlands Government Gazette.
Rijswijk, February 13, 1992.

Note:
The provisions mentioned in this Notice are in addition to the regulations mentioned in article 5 and 66 of Appendix IV of the Netherlands' Shipping Order 1965.
For the sake of completenes these articles are given here.

Article 5		Article 66
Fixed gas fire extinghuising systems		Fixe gas fire extinghuising systems on board of small vessels
1. General		1. General
1.1 The use of a fire extinghuising medium which, to the opinion of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate, either by itself or under the expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger persons shall not be permitted.		1.1 Unchanged
1.2 The necessary pipes for conveying the fIre extinghuising medium into the protected spaces shall be provided with control valves so marked as to indicate clearly the spaces to which the pipes are led. Suitable provisions shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of the medium to any space. Where a cargo space fitted with a gas fire extinghuising system is used as a passenger space the gas connection shall be blanked off during such use.		1.2 The necessary pipes for conveying the fIre extinghuising medium into the protected spaces shall be provided with control valves so marked as to indicate clearly the spaces to which the pipes are led. Suitable provisions shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of the medium to any space.
1.3 The piping for the distribution of fIre extinghuising medium shall be so arranged and discharge nozzles positioned in such a way that an appropriate distribution of the medium is obtained.		1.3 Unchanged
1.4 Means shall be provided to close all openings which may admit air to, or allow gas to escape from, a protected space.		1.4 Unchanged
1.5 Where the volume of free air contained in air receivers in any space is such that, if released in such space in the event of fIre, such release of air within that space would seriously affect the efficiency of the fIxed fire extinghuising system, the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate shall require the provision of an additional quantity of fire extinghuising medium.		1.5 Unchanged
1.6 Means shall be provided for automatically giving audible warning of the release of fire extinghuising medium into the any space in which personnel normally work or to which they have access. The alarm shall operate for a suitable period before the medium is released.		1.6 Unchanged
1.7 The means of control of any fixed gas fire extinghuising system shall be readily accessible and simple to operate. They shall be grouped together in as few locations as possible at positions which are not likely to be cut off by a fire in a protected space. At each location there shall be clear instructions relating to the operation of the system, having regard to the safety of the personnel.		1.7 Unchanged
1.8 Automatic release of the fire extinghuising medium shall not be permitted, except as permitted by paragraph 3.3.5, and in respect of local automatically operated units referred to in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5.		1.8 Unchanged
1.9 Where the quantity of fire extinghuising medium is required to protect more than one space, the quantity of medium available need not be more than the largest quantity required for any space so protected.		1.9 Unchanged
1.10 Except as otherwise permitted by paragraphs 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 pressure containers required for the storage of fire extinghuising medium, other than steam, shall be located outside protected spaces in accordance with paragraph 1.13.		1.10 Unchanged
1.11 Means shall be provided for the crew to safely check the quantity of medium in the containers.		1.11 Unchanged
1.12 Containers for the storage of fire extinghuising medium and associated pressure components shall comply with the requirements of the "Dienst voor het stoomwezen" (Netherlands Steam Engineering Department) or with the Rules of one of the recognized Classification Societies as mentioned in article 3 of the Netherlands Shipping Order 1965.		1.12 Unchanged
1.13 When the fire extinghuising medium is stored outside the protected space, it shall be stored in a room which, to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate, shall be situated in a safe and readily accessible position. The space mentioned shall be effectively ventilated, to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate. Any entrance to such a storage room shall preferrably be from the open deck and in any case shall be independent from the protected space. Access doors shall open outwards, and bulkheads and decks including doors and other means of closing any opening therein, which form the boundaries between such rooms and adjoining enclosed spaces shall be gastight. For the purpose of the application of the integrity tables in regulations 26, 27, 44 and 58, such storage rooms shall be treated as control stations.		1.13 When the fire extinghuising medium is stored outside the protectd space, it shall be stored in a room which, to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate, shall be situated in a safe and readily accessible position. The space mentioned shall be effectively ventilated, to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate. Any entrance to such a storage room shall preferrably be from the open deck and in any case shall be independent from the protected space. Access doors shall open outwards, and bulkheads and decks including doors and other means of closing any opening therein, which form the boundaries between such rooms and adjoining enclosed spaces shall be gastight. The fIre resistance of the space must comply with regulation 58 for tankers, and for other small vessels with article 70. For the purpose of the application of the integrity tables in regulation 58, such storage rooms shall be treated as control stations.
1.14 Spare parts for the system shall be stored on board in kind and quantity to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate.		1.14 Unchanged
1.15 Any fIxed fIre extinghuising system with gas as an extinghuising medium shall comply with the Regulations made out by the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate.		1.15 Unchanged
2. Carbon dioxide systems		2. Carbon dioxide systems
2.1 For cargo ships the quantity of carbon dioxide shall, unless otherwise provided, be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30 percent of the gross volume of the largest cargo space so protected in the ship.		2.1 For machinery spaces, if carbon dioxide is used as a fire extinghuising medium, the quantity of carbon dioxide carried shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to the larger of the following volumes, either: a. 35 percent of the gross volume of the largest machinery space so protected, the volume to exclude that part of the casing above the level at which the horizontal area of the casing is 40 percent or less of the horizontal area of the space concerned taken midway between the tanktop and the lowest part of the casing; or b. 30 percent of the gross volume of the largest machinery space protected, including the casing; provided that if two or more machinery spaces are not entirely separate they shall be considered as forming one space.
2.2 For machinery spaces the quantity of carbon dioxide carried shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to the larger of the following volumes, either:		2.2 For the purpose of this paragraph the volume of free carbon dioxide shall be calculated at 0.56 m3/kg.
2.2.1 40 percent of the gross volume of the largest machinery space so protected, the volume to exclude that part of the casing above the level at which the horizontal area of the casing is 40 percent or less of the horizontal area of the space concerned taken midway between the tanktop and the lowest part of the casing; or
2.2.2 35 percent of the gross volume of the largest machinery space protected, including the casing; provided that the above-mentioned percentages may be reduced to 35 percent and 30 percent respectively for cargo ships of less than 2,000 tons gross tonnage; provided also that machinery spaces separate they shall forming one space.
2.3 For the purpose of this paragraph the volume of free carbon dioxide shall be calculated at 0.56 m3/kg.		2.3 For machinery spaces the fixed piping system shall be such that 85 percent of the gas can be discharged into the space within 2 minutes.
2.4 For machinery spaces the fixed piping system shall be such that 85 percent of the gas can be discharged into the space within 2 minutes.
2.5 Carbon dioxide systems installed on or after 1 October 1994 shall comply with the following requirements:		2.5 Unchanged.
2.5.1 Two separate controls shall be provided for releasing carbon dioxide into a protected space and to ensure the activities of the alarm. One control shall be used to discharge the gas from the storage containers. A second control shall be used for opening the valve of the piping which conveys the gas into the protected space.
2.5.2 The two controls shall be located inside a release box clearly identified for the particular space. If the box containing the controls is to be locked, a key to the box shall be in a break-glasstype enclosure conspicuously located adjacent to the box.

 

Article 2 Cylinder storage compartment

Article 2. Carbon dioxide cylinder storage compartment

2.1 Cylinders required for the storage of carbon dioxide shall be located outside the protected space.

2.2 Where the space in which the battery is located is adjacent to an accommodation space or a service space, the bulkhead shall be gastight. Doors in such bulkheads shall be of a gastight construction. Bulkheads separating the compartment from spaces into which carbon dioxide can be admitted shall also be gastight and no doors shall be fitted in these bulkheads.

2.3 In order to ensure a proper ventilation of the compartment where the battery is located appropriate provisions shall be taken. The ventilating system shall have no connection with any other ventilating system. The ventilating system shall consist of at least two ventilating trunks which shall terminate in the free air. One of these trunks shall reach to the bottom and shall be provided with a suction cowl. One of the ventilation trunks shall have a sectional area of not less than 500 cm². Subject to the position of the compartment where the battery is mounted, this compartment shall be fitted with mechanical means for ventilation with a minimum capacity of five air changes per hour. The ventilation trunks shall not be fitted with closing appliances.

2.4 Where necessary, measures shall be taken to prevent the temperature of the compartment exceeding 55°e. Provisions shall also be taken to ensure that the temperature in that space will not fall below 0°C.

2.5 In order to avoid corrosion at the bottom ends of the cylinders they shall be raised clear of the deck e.g. on wooden gratings. They shall be secured against movement of the vessel and rotation by means of wooden bars or steel braces. Steel braces shall be lined with rubber or another suitable material. The securing system shall be arranged in such a way that removal of the braces does not release all the cylinders at once but in sets of not more than four per row. The contents of cylinders shall be established by weighing or by means of a level detector. The position of the braces shall not interfere with the gauging of the cylinders with a level detector. Equipment shall be available for weighing one or more cylinders separately in order to check the level detector.

Article 3 Carbon dioxide cylinders

Article 3. Carbon dioxide cylinders

3.1 The materials and design of cylinders to be used for carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installations on board ships shall comply with the requirements of the "Dienst voor het stoomwezen" (Netherlands Steam Engineering Department) or with the Rules of one of the recognized Classification Societies as mentioned in article 3 of the Netherlands Shipping Order 1965. One copy of the drawing of the cylinders for a battery, approved by the "Dienst voor het Stoomwezen" or the· Classification Society concerned, shall be forwarded for each ship to the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate by the installer.

3.2 Every carbon dioxide cylinder shall be marked indelibly with the following particulars:

• manufacturers name or abbreviation;
• manufacturing number or serial number;
• technical name of the gas;
• capacity of the cylinder in dm³;
• mass in kg of the maximum permitted quantity of gas;
• test pressure in bar;
• mass, empty, in kg;
• mass, empty, with valve fitted, in kg;
• date of testing (month and year); and
• official stamp of inspecting agency.

3.3 A statement shall be issued by the filling station showing that each cylinder has been filled with the required quantity of carbon dioxide.

3.4 For each cylinder the maximum filling ratio shall not exceed 2/3. The filling ratio is defined as the ratio between the mass of the carbon dioxide in kg and the capacity of that cylinder in dm³.

3.5 Each carbon dioxide cylinder shall be fitted with a frangible disc with a bursting pressure of 0,9 times the test pressure of the cylinder with a maximum tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent. Certificates must be submitted indicating that the frangible discs have been type-approyed by the "Dienst voor het Stoomwezen" or the Classification Society concerned.

3.6 The required syphon tube in a cylinder for carbon dioxide shall be made of copper, stainless steel, or another suitable material for that purpose.

3.7 Each cylinder for carbon dioxide to be used in fire extinguishing installations for cargo holds, engine rooms, boiler rooms and pumprooms shall be fitted with a quick release valve or a cutter valve.
Each cylinder for carbon dioxide to be used in fire extinguishing installations for auxiliary boilers, scavenging air lines of two stroke engines and other parts of engines to be protected, shall be fitted with valves to regulate the discharge of carbon dioxide as needed.

Article 4 Carbon dioxide piping and fittings

Article 4. Carbon dioxide piping and fittings

The carbon dioxide required for enginerooms and boilerrooms shall be effectively distributed:

4.1.1 in enginerooms, outlets shall be fitted both below and above the engineroom floorplate;

4.1.2 in boilerrooms, outlets shall be fitted below or around the boilers; Where the burners are fitted at the upper end of the boiler additional nozzles shall be fitted at that place.

4.2 The carbon dioxide for cargo holds shall have such a distribution that a separate supply to lower hold and tweendecks in each cargohold is possible.

4.3 In places where corrosion can be expected, e. g. near bulkhead and deck penetrations the piping shall be so arranged that visual examinations can be made.

4.4 Carbon dioxide piping shall not be led through tanks or refrigerated holds. Where the design of the ship makes this impossible, exceptions may be considered provided that sufficient measures shall be taken to prevent corrosion and formation of ice within the pipes. Drawings of those provisions shall be submitted for approval.

4.5 In order to avoid inadvertent admission of carbon dioxide to any compartment the pipes conveying the gas shall be provided with control valves or cocks which shall be located at easily accessible positions which after the start of a fire will not easily become inaccesable.
If the door giving access to the space where these valves are situated can be locked, the key shall be kept in the immediate vicinity of this door, clearly visible in a red painted box with a knock-in glass. As an alternative a notice may be fitted indicating were the key is situated, such to the satisfaction of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate.

4.6 The valves and cocks shall be marked in such a way that there is a clear indication to which compartment the pipes are led. The sectional area of valves and cocks shall be at least equivalent to that of the pipes fitted to them. Separating valves shall be fitted in every main supply line leading from the carbon dioxide battery to the engineroom, the boilerroom or the pumproom.
In the supply line from the carbon dioxide battery to a smoke detection cabinet or a distribution manifold for cargoholds a separating valve shall be fitted within the compartment where the battery is located.

4.7 The valves in the carbon dioxide pipes leading to deeptanks shall be arranged close to each other. Handwheels and/or control handles of these valves shall be painted in a distinctive colour and shall be removable. When the deeptanks are filled with a liquid, the relevant valves shall be fitted with a sign indicating "Deep tank full". The open ends of the carbon dioxide piping in the deeptanks shall be closed by means of a non-return valve or by a frangible disc with a low breaking pressure, to prevent the liquid from entering the pipes. When using frangible discs, the material of which they are made must be able to resist corrosion by the liquids to be carried and by the temperatures to be expected.

4.8 A non return valve shall be fitted between each carbon dioxide cylinder and the manifold. The sectional area of this non return valve shall not be less than the sectional area of the cylinder valve.

4.9 The carbon dioxide manifold shall be fitted with a springloaded safety valve so that the pressure in the manifold can not rise above 120 bar. The discharge of the safety valve shall be led directly to open air.

4.10 The manifold of the carbon dioxide installation shall be fitted with a pressure gauge having a measuring range of at least 160 bar.

4.11 A carbon dioxide installation shall be fitted with one or more connections to blow air through the piping system with a minimum pressure of 6 bar. This connection shall be provided with a screw down non return valve or a combination of a valve and a non return valve.
The air supply line, which may not have a permanent connection to the pressure air system, shall be of sufficient size to provide a proper control of all nozzles.

4.12 Where remote controlled valves are fitted, means shall be provided for manual control of these valves locally, or by means of a separate auxiliary source having the required capacity. In addition an explicit testing instruction shall be fitted locally.

4.13 The connections from the carbon dioxide pipes to the scavenging air belts of two stroke diesel engines shall be fitted in suitable locations and be provided with proper closing devices.

4.14 Carbon dioxide piping shall be constructed of seamless drawn or welded thickwalled steel tubes of sound quality, internally and externally galvanised. The piping, as well as the fittings must comply with the relevant NEN-standard or with the Rules of a classification society as mentioned in article 3 of the Netherlands Shipping Order 1965.

4.15 The supply piping to machinery spaces with the nozzles included shall be such that 85 percent of the required quantity of gas can be discharged into the space concerned within two minutes. Calculations can be carried out using "Standard 12" of the National Fire Protection Association.

4.16 The dimensions of the supply piping to cargo holds and related nozzles shall be determined in accordance with the hold capacities. The piping shall have an inner diameter of not less than 20 mm.

4.17 The connections between the cylinders and the manifold shall be made of seamless drawn thick-walled steel or copper tubes or flexible tubes of a type approved by the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate. Sufficient provision for expansion shall be available in this connections to avoid damage due to vibration.

4.18 Valves, cocks, non return valves and springloaded safety valves shall be made of steel, bronze or nodular cast iron and be designed for the pressure to which they may be exposed. Valves and cocks shall be provided with a position indicator and shall be so constructed that opening is easily affected, also under an internal pressure of 120 bar.

Article 5 Operation of the installation

Article 5. Operation of the installation

Where the carbon dioxide fire extinghuising installation can be operated, an instruction plate shall be fitted, comprising:

5.1.1 The total minimum quantity of carbon dioxide required for the ship;

5.1.2 The quantity of carbon dioxide calculated for each of the protected spaces;

5.1.3 The procedure for discharge of the carbon dioxide into the spaces as mentioned in 5.1.2.

5.2 In order to comply with the provision that 85 percent of the required quantity of gas shall be discharged into a machinery space within 2 minutes it shall be possible to open the required carbon dioxide cylinders simultaneously by means of pull-wires or a pneumatic system.
Pneumatic lines and pull-wires shall be installed well protected. Pneumatic systems shall be so designed that the cylinders connected to them can still be activated simultaneously at a temperature of  0°C.. The discharge of the servo cylinders shall be led directly to open air. In order to prevent a premature drop in pressure an orifice-flange shall be fitted where a common discharge line is used for servo cylinders connected in parallel.

5.3 Systems fitted with pneumatically operated cylinder-valves or servo cylinders shall be activated by separate pilot cylinders. A non-return valve shall be fitted in the connecting line of each pilot cylinder, if the contents of the pilot cylinders can be interconnected. At least two pilot cylinders shall be available at each operating position. The capacity of each of these cylinders shall be sufficient to open the necessary number of cylinders of the installation.
Pilot cylinders within accommodation spaces shall be located in a steel recess, provided with a well fitting steel door which can be locked.
With respect to the key, reference is made to 4.5 of article 4. If the contents of a pilot cylinder exceeds 6 kg carbon dioxide the door shall be of a gastight construction and the recess shall be provided with one or more ventilation openings discharging to the open air.
The line from the pilot cylinders to the servo-cylinders or pneumatically controlled valves shall be fitted with a safety device (slow leak-valve) of an approved type as a safeguard against untimely activation of the servo-cylinders or pneumatically controlled valves, caused by a built-up pressure from a leaking valve on one of the pilot cylinders.
If quick release valves or cutter valves are used for sealing the pilot cylinders a stop-valve shall be fitted in the line from the pilot cylinder to the servo-cylinders. In this case the slow leak-valve shall be fitted between the stop-valve and the servo-cylinders or the pneumatically controlled valves. If the pilot cylinders are fitted with cutter valves a springloaded safety valve set at 120 bar shall be fitted between the cylinders and the stop-valve.

Article 6 Saftey Arrangements

Article 6. Saftey Arrangements

6.1 The arrangements for the admission of carbon dioxide in enginerooms, boilerrooms and pumprooms shall be such that an audible alarm shall be given within the space before carbon dioxide can be discharged. It shall not be possible to stop this alarm inadvertently and it shall be actuated by the operations as mentioned under 1. and 2. After sounding of the alarm, two independent operations shall be required for admitting carbon dioxide.
These are:

1. the opening of the section valve to the compartment concerned;
   and
2. the opening of the appropriate cylinder group.
   
   
   In the vicinity of each operating position clear operating instructions shall be displayed.

6.2 In enginerooms, boilerrooms and pumprooms the alarms required in 6.1 shall be electrically powered devices. Inside the pumproom an alarm shall be used which can be used safely in a flammable mixture of cargo vapour and air. In every part of propulsion spaces, shaft tunnels, boilerrooms, pumprooms and other relevant spaces the alarm device shall be positioned and constructed so as to be well audible under conditions of full operation. A variable pitch siren or claxon shall be used in the above mentioned spaces in order to distinguish it from other alarm systems. The electrical alarm system shall be connected in such a way that upon failure of the main supply it is automatically switched to the emergency source of power.

6.3 If carbon dioxide can be admitted in a work or control space, suitable provisions shall be made to ensure that audible warning is given before gas is admitted in this space.

6.4 The provision for discharging carbon dioxide into cargo holds of roll on/roll off ships shall be such that an audible alarm is sounded within the space concerned before carbon dioxide can be discharged into the space concerned. In the cargo hold a conspicuous notice shall be displayed stating that upon hearing the alarm the compartment shall be evacuated as soon as possible.
If carbon dioxide will be utilised for a fixed fire extinguishing system in cargo spaces, other than special catagory spaces, containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, the following provisions shall be complied with: the quantity of gas available shall at least be sufficient to give a volume of free gas equal to 45 percent of the gross volume of the largest of these cargo spaces which can be sealed, and the arrangernens shall be such as to ensure that at least 85 percent of the gas required for that particular space can be discharged within 10 minutes.

Article 7 Extinghuising installation for auxiliary boilers

Article 7. Carbon dioxide fire extinghuising installation for auxiliary boilers

If an oil-fired auxiliary boiler installed in the engineroom is fitted with a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing Installation, the quantity of gas to be carried shall be suited for the size of the boiler.
The cylinders for this installation shall be located at an easily accessible position at a safe distance from the boiler and arrangements shall be made as to ensure that the anticipated temperature at that position will stay below 55°C. Where considered necessary adequate ventilation is to be provided.
Where the quantity of carbon dioxide required for the auxiliary boiler should cause an unacceptable concentration of this gas in the engine room, additional measures to be approved by the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate shall be taken.

Article 8 extinghuising installation for scavenging air belts of two-stroke engines

Article 8. Carbon dioxide fire extinghuising installation for scavenging air belts of two-stroke engines

8.1 Where, for the scavenging air systems of two stroke diesel engines as well as for fire protection of other parts of propulsion engines such as crankcases, manifolds etc., a carbon dioxide installation is applied such an installation shall be independent of the main fire extinguishing installation. The cylinders shall be located in the engineroom at an easily accessible position where the anticipated temperature will not exceed 55°C. Where considered necessary adequate ventilation shall be provided. The quantities of carbon dioxide required shall be established by the engine manufacturer.

8.2 Fire extinguishing installations as mentioned in article 7 and article 8.1 may be united into one installation.

Article 9 Pressure testing of the piping system

Article 9. Pressure testing of the piping system

The piping system shall be pressure tested as follows:

9.1.1 The high-pressure section up to and including the section valve to the engineroom, boilerroom or pumproom, and up to and including the operating valves to the cargo holds: at a pressure of not less than 150 bar;

9.1.2 The medium pressure section (open ended piping where passing through accommodation spaces, as well as the parts of the main supply line to the engineroom, boilerroom or pumproom between the section valve and the compartment concerned): at a pressure of not less than 50 bar;

9.1.3 The low pressure section (all other open ended piping): with air at a pressure of not less than 6 bar.

9.2 Piping between pilot cylinders and servo-cylinders or pneumatically operated cylinder valves and other pilot lines shall be tested at a pressure of 1,5 times the working pressure.
As far as possible pressure testing of the piping mentioned under 9.1.1 and 9.1.2 shall be done at the manufacturers' premises.
After pressure testing of the piping parts and valves with water, these shall be blown through with air to dry them. Where parts of the piping system between valves have been disconnected for this purpose the sections involved shall be tested after reconnection with carbon dioxide or air at a pressure at least 25 bar.

Annex A Acceptance report (for New installations)

Annex A

Acceptance report Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Installation

(for New installations, or after extensive repairs or modification to an existing installation)

Ships name:	Port of registry:
Call sign:
Manufacturers name and year installation was built:

Protected compartments
Required CO2 in kg.

Number of cylinders in battery	:	cylinder capacity	:	kg.	Total:	kg.
For scavenging airline	:	cylinders each	:	kg.
For auxiliary boiler	:	cylinders each	:	kg.

The undersigned declares that the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation of the above mentioned vessel was subjected to the following tests* in his presence:

		Results
a.1	High-pressure section tested at 150 bar.
a.2	Valves in high-pressure section tested for opening at 120 bar.
a.3	Middle-pressure section tested at 50 bar.
a.4	Low-pressure section tested with air at 6 bar.
a.5	Pressure testing of pilot piping at 1,5 times the working pressure.
a.6	Testing the tightness of the high-pressure section and the section valve(s) at a pressure of 25 bar.
b.	Testing opening arrangements of cilinder valves and (remote controlled) section valves.
c.	Alarm system tested at sea condition of ER.
d.	Checked setting of safety valve at 120 bar.
e.1	Proper connection of cargo holds and discharge from nozzles checked
e.2	Checked smoke detection system with smoke test.
f.	Checked discharge from nozzles in ER, boilerroom, pumproom and other spaces (to be specified).
g.	Checked leak-valve for proper operation.
h.	Operational readiness of entire installation checked

The undersigned declares subsequently that the installation complies with the relevant requirements and has been delivered ready for immediate use.

	Made out by
	Rank
	Place	Date
	Signature
*) For a detailed description of the tests p.t.o.

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Detailed description of the tests to be carried out:

a.l	Pressure testing of the high-pressure section up to and including the section valve to the engineroom, boilerroom or pumproom and up to and including the operating valves to the cargo spaces, at a pressure of at least 150 bar;
a.2	Section valves and operating valves in the high-pressure part must be constructed in such a way that they can easily be operated at a pressure of 120 bar.
a.3	Pressure testing of the medium-pressure section (open ended piping as far as passing through accommodation spaces as well as the part of the main supplyline to the engineroom, boilerroom or pumproon between the section valve and the compartment concerned) at a pressure of at least 50 bar;
a.4	Pressure testing of the low-pressure section (all other open ended piping) with air at a pressure of at least 6 bar;
a.5	Pressure testing of the piping from pilot cylinders to the activating arrangements of the cylinder valves, or other pilot piping, at a pressure of 1,5 times the working pressure;
a.6	Testing the tightness of the high-pressure section up to and including the section valve(s) at a pressure of 25 bar;
b.	Testing the correct operation of the (pneumatic controlled) cylinder valves and remote controlled stopvalves, if any;
c.	Testing the alarmsystem under conditions of full engineroom operation;
d.	Checking the setting of the springloaded safety valve(s) at 120 bar;
e.1/f	Checking the proper discharge from the nozzles in the engineroom, the boilerroom, the pumprooms and cargo holds by means of air at an initial pressure of at least 25 bar or in an equivalent way, taking into consideration the dangers of using a asphyxiating gas for this purpose. If the installation consists of not more than 20 cylinders (900 kg) this test should not be carried out with asphyxiating gas;
e.2	Checking of the smoke detecting system by means of a smoke test, if the carbon dioxide piping system in the cargo holds also is used for smoke detection;
g.	Checking of the leak-valve, if any, for correct operation;
h.	Checking the entire installation for operational readiness.

Annex B Acceptance report (for a 5-yearly installations)

Annex B

Acceptance report Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Installation

(for a 5-yearly inspection of existing installations))

Ships name:	Port of registry:
Call sign:
Manufacturers name and year installation was built:

Protected compartments
Required CO2 in kg.

Number of cylinders in battery	:	cylinder capacity	:	kg.	Total:	kg.
For scavenging airline	:	cylinders each	:	kg.
For auxiliary boiler	:	cylinders each	:	kg.

The undersigned declares that the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing installation of the above mentioned vessel was subjected to the following tests** in his presence:

		Medium	Pressure	Results
a.	External survey of entire installation
b.	Purging of entire installation with air at 6 bar.
c.	Alarm system tested under sea/harbour* conditions.
d.	Control of operation and tightness of section valves.
e.	Testing opening arrangements of cilinder valves.
f.	Pilot lines checked on tightness.
g.	Checking setting of springloaded safety valves (120 bar).
h.	Checking high-pressure section (for tightness).
i.	Checking medium- and low-pressure section (for discharge).
j.	Checking nozzles in ER / boilerroom I / pumproom / other spaces*.
k.	Testing smoke detection.
l.	Testing leak valves

The carbon dioxide cylinders mentioned here were inspected internally and pressure-tested.	No. of the bottle	Syphon tube
		Material	Condition	Confirmation

 

The undersigned declares subsequently that the installation complies with the relevant requirements and has been delivered ready for immediate use.

	Made out by
	Rank
	Place	Date
	Signature
*)   Delete as appropriate **) For a detailed description of the tests p.t.o.

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Detailed description of the tests to be carried out:

a.	External survey of the entire installation as far as possible;
b.	Entire installation to be blown through with air at pressure of at least 6 bar;
c.	Testing of the alarmsystem on proper operation;
d.	A control of the operation and tightness of the section valves of the installation, if necessary by means of the auxiliary source as mentioned in 4.12;
e.	Testing the (pneumatically operated) opening arrangements of the cylinder valves for proper operation, if necessary by means of the auxiliary source as mentioned in 4.12;
f.	Checking of the tightness of the piping from the pilot cylinders to the opening arrangements of the cylinder valves, or any other pilot piping, at a pressure of at least 25 bar;
g.	Checking the setting of the springloaded safety valves at 120 bar;
h.	Testing the tightness of the high-pressure part up to and including the section valve(s) by means of air or asphyxiating gas at a pressure of at least 25 bar;
i.	Checking of the medium- and low pressure section as well as the discharge into the cargo holds by intensively blowing through with air or asphyxiating gas at an initial pressure of at least 25 bar. At locations where corrosion can be expected, as at deckand bulkhead penetrations a visual inspection shall be carried out;
j.	Checking the proper discharge from the nozzles in the engineroom, boilerroom, pumproom and any other relevant spaces by means of air or a asphyxiating gas at an initial pressure of at least 25 bar. The necessary safety precautions shall be observed when a asphyxiating gas is used for this purpose. If the installation consists of not more than 20 cylinders (900 kg) this test should preferrably not be carried out with asphyxiating gas;
k.	Checking of the smoke detection system by means of a smoke test, if the smoke detection system for the cargo holds is incorporated in the carbon dioxide piping system.
l.	Testing of the leak valves for proper operation.

N.B. For the asphyxiating gas as mentioned in items h, i and j carbon dioxide from cylinders due for periodical surveys may be used.

• Informatietype: Informatie voor uitvoering
• Documentsoort: Bekendmaking aan de sector
• Toegangsrechten: Extern
• Identificatie: PUC_1161_14
• Versie: 1
• Datum beschikbaarheid: 04-03-2010
• Geldigheid van: 13-12-1992
• tot en met: 01-01-2005
• Wijzigingsdatum: 24-11-2016
• Titel: NtS 278/1992 CO2-fixed firefighting installations
• Organisatie: Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport
• Taal: Engels
• Onderwerp: Veiligheid / Safety
• Hoofdtaak: Koopvaardij / Merchant Shipping
• Thema: Zeevaart / Seagoing ships / Mandatory Regulations / National Instruments (Mandatory) / Bekendmakingen aan de Scheepvaart / Notices to Shipping / Notices to Shipping