Ingangsdatum: 01-07-2010
2.1 General
2.1.1 Fire-extinguishing medium
2.1.1.1 Where the quantity of the fire-extinguishing 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 one space so protected. The system shall be fitted with normally closed control valves arranged to direct the agent into the appropriate space.
2.1.1.2 The volume of starting air receivers, converted to free air volume, shall be added to the gross volume of the machinery space when calculating the necessary quantity of the fire-extinguishing medium. Alternatively, a discharge pipe from the safety valves may be fitted and led directly to the open air.
2.1.1.3 Means shall be provided for the crew to safely check the quantity of the fire-extinguishing medium in the containers.
2.1.1.4 Containers for the storage of fire-extinguishing medium, piping and associated pressure components shall be designed to pressure codes of practice to the satisfaction of the Administration having regard to their locations and maximum ambient temperatures expected in service.1
2.1.2 Installation requirements
2.1.2.1 The piping for the distribution of fire-extinguishing medium shall be arranged and discharge nozzles so positioned that a uniform distribution of the medium is obtained. System flow calculations shall be performed using a calculation technique acceptable to the Administration.
2.1.2.2 Except as otherwise permitted by the Administration, pressure containers required for the storage of fire-extinguishing medium, other than steam, shall be located outside the protected spaces in accordance with regulation II-2/10.4.3 of the Convention.
2.1.2.3 Spare parts for the system shall be stored on board and be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
2.1.2.4 In piping sections where valve arrangements introduce sections of closed piping, such sections shall be fitted with a pressure relief valve and the outlet of the valve shall be led to open deck.
2.1.2.5 All discharge piping, fittings and nozzles in the protected spaces shall be constructed of materials having a melting temperature which exceeds 925°C. The piping and associated equipment shall be adequately supported.
2.1.2.6 A fitting shall be installed in the discharge piping to permit the air testing as required by paragraph 2.2.3.1.
2.1.3 System control requirements
2.1.3.1 The necessary pipes for conveying fire-extinguishing 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 release of the medium into the space. Where a cargo space fitted with a gas fire-extinguishing system is used as a passenger space, the gas connection shall be blanked during such use. The pipes may pass through accommodations providing that they are of substantial thickness and that their tightness is verified with a pressure test, after their installation, at a pressure head not less than 5 N/mm2. In addition, pipes passing through accommodation areas shall be joined only by welding and shall not be fitted with drains or other openings within such spaces. The pipes shall not pass through refrigerated spaces.
2.1.3.2 Means shall be provided for automatically giving audible and visual warning of the release of fire-extinguishing medium into any ro-ro spaces and other spaces in which personnel normally work or to which they have access. The audible alarms shall be located so as to be audible throughout the protected space with all machinery operating, and the alarms should be distinguished from other audible alarms by adjustment of sound pressure or sound patterns. The pre-discharge alarm shall be automatically activated (e.g., by opening of the release cabinet door). The alarm shall operate for the length of time needed to evacuate the space, but in no case less than 20 s before the medium is released. Conventional cargo spaces and small spaces (such as compressor rooms, paint lockers, etc.) with only a local release need not be provided with such an alarm.
2.1.3.3 The means of control of any fixed gas fire-extinguishing system shall be readily accessible, simple to operate and shall be grouped together in as few locations as possible at positions 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 personnel.
2.1.3.4 Automatic release of fire-extinguishing medium shall not be permitted, except as permitted by the Administration.
1 Publication ISO – 9809/1: Refillable seamless steel gas cylinders (design, construction and testing);
ISO – 3500: Seamless steel CO2 cylinders. For fixed fire-fighting installations on ships, specifying the principal external dimensions, accessories, filling ratio and marking for seamless steel CO2 cylinders used in fixed fire-fighting installations on ships, in order to facilitate their interchange ability;
ISO – 5923: Fire protection – Fire-extinguishing media – Carbon dioxide;
ISO – 13769: Gas cylinders – Stamp marking;
ISO – 6406: Periodic inspection and testing of seamless steel gas cylinders;
ISO – 9329, part 1: Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions – Part 1: Unalloyed steels with specified room temperature properties;
ISO – 9329, part 2: Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions – Part 2: Unalloyed and alloyed steels with specified elevated temperature properties;
ISO – 9330, part 1: Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions – Part 1: Unalloyed steel tubes with specified room temperature properties;
ISO – 9330, part 2: Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions – Part 2: Electric resistance and induction welded unalloyed and alloyed steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties.