Ingangsdatum: 24-06-2013
Annex 1 - Unified Interpretations of SOLAS Chapter
II-2
1 Gas measurement and detection – portable instruments (regulation
II-2/4.5.7.1)
The requirement
of regulation II-2/4.5.7.1 for one portable instrument for measuring
oxygen and one for measuring flammable vapour concentrations, and
spares for both, should be considered as being satisfied when a
minimum of two instruments, each capable of measuring both oxygen
and flammable vapour concentrations are provided on board.
Alternatively, two portable instruments for measuring oxygen and two
portable instruments for measuring flammable vapour concentrations
could be provided on board.
2 Control stations on cargo ships – application to cargo
ships (regulation
II-2/7.5.5)
As no reference to
control stations is made for any of the protection methods provided
in accordance with SOLAS regulations II-2/7.5.5.1, 7.5.5.2 and
7.5.5.3, control stations on cargo ships do not need to be covered
by a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system.
3 Suction and discharge piping of emergency fire pumps which
are run through the machinery space (regulation II-2/10.2.1.4.1)
3.1 "The valve" in the second sentence means
"sea inlet valve".
3.2 In cases where suction or discharge piping
penetrating machinery spaces are enclosed in a substantial steel
casing, or are insulated to "A-60" class standards, it is not
necessary to enclose or insulate "distance pieces", "sea inlet
valves" and "sea-chests". For this purpose, the discharge piping
means piping between the emergency fire pump and the isolating
valve.
3.3 The method for insulating pipes to "A-60"
class standards" is that they are to be covered/protected in a
practical manner by insulation material which is approved as a
part of "A-60" class divisions in accordance with the FTP
Code.
3.4 Where the sea inlet valve is in the
machinery space, the valve should not be a fail-close type.
Where the sea inlet valve is in the machinery space and is not a
fail-open type, measures should be taken so that the valve can
be opened in the event of fire, e.g. control piping, actuating
devices and/or electric cables with fire-resistant protection
equivalent to "A-60" class standards.
3.5 In cases where main fire pumps are provided
in compartments outside machinery spaces and where the emergency
fire pump suction or discharge piping penetrates such
compartments, the above interpretation should be applied to the
piping.
4 Location of the fire main isolation valves in
tankers (regulation
II-2/10.2.1.4.4)
The complete
interpretation of the phrase "the isolation valves shall be fitted
in the fire main at the poop front in a protected position" would be
that the valve should be located:
within an accommodation space, service spaces and control
station; or
at least 5 m aft of the aft end of the aftermost cargo tank
in case the valve is located on the open deck; or
if the above is not practical, within 5 m aft of the cargo
area provided it is protected from the cargo area by a
permanent steel obstruction.
5 Application of carbon dioxide or inert system for
self-heating solid bulk cargoes (regulations II-2/10.7.1.3 and II-2/10.7.2)
This self-heating phenomenon should be regarded as an emergency
condition such that it is not necessary to provide a separate fixed
carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system or inert gas system
dedicated to the control of the self-heating of the cargo within the
cargo holds. The fixed carbon dioxide or inert gas
fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the FSS
Code required by SOLAS regulation II-2/10.7.1.3 or II-2/10.7.2 may
be used for this purpose. Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems or
inert gas systems installed on board dedicated exclusively to the
protection of spaces other than cargo spaces should not be used for
this purpose.
6 Emergency exit hatches to open deck (regulation II-2/13.1)
To facilitate a swift and safe means of escape to the
lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck, the following provisions
should apply to overhead hatches fitted along the escape routes
addressed by regulation II-2/13:
- the securing devices should be of a type which can be opened
from both sides;
- the maximum force needed to open the hatch cover should not
exceed 150 N; and
- the use of a spring equalizing, counterbalance or other suitable
device on the hinge side to reduce the force needed for opening
is acceptable.