BMA INFORMATION BULLETIN No. 97 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

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1 BMA INFORMATION BULLETIN No. 97 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT Guidance and Instructions for Ship-owners, Managers, Masters, Bahamas Recognised Organisations and Bahamas Approved Nautical Inspectors Note: This Bulletin supersedes the previous issued BMA Information Bulletin No. 39 and replaces Instruction to Classification Societies Nos. 4 and 6. This Bulletin is to be read in conjunction with IMO MSC Circulars 600, 775, 850, 1318, IMO Circular FP.1/Circ.33, IMO Resolutions A. 655 (16), A. 719 (17) and A.951 (23). 1. Introduction This Bulletin gives guidance on the inspection, testing and survey requirements of fixed fire fighting installations and portable fire extinguishers, and are intended to supplement SOLAS regulation II- 2/ and manufacturer s maintenance instructions. Certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crewmembers, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems. Any aspect of the testing and maintenance of the system which is assessed by the Company (as defined in the ISM Code) to be beyond the competence of the Company s and ship s personnel shall be carried out by a competent specialist maintenance firm The Company shall ensure that the inspection and maintenance of the whole system meets the requirements of the Recognised Organisation and any recommendations of the installation supplier. 2. General Inspections and Maintenance of Fixed Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Halon Gas installations 2.1. A monthly general inspection should be carried out of the overall system for signs of damage to include but not limited to verification that stop valves are in the closed position, release controls in the proper position, discharge piping and pneumatic tubing intact, cylinders in place and secure and alarms do not appear damaged. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 1 of 7 Revision no.01

2 In addition on low pressure CO2 systems the inspection should verify that the pressure gauge is in the normal range, the liquid level indicator within the proper level, the manual storage tank main valve is secured in the open position and the vapour supply line valve is secured open. An annual inspection and maintenance is to be carried out in accordance with the systems manufacturer s instructions and safety precautions. This should include but not limited to a visual inspection of the boundaries of the protected space for any modifications that could have created uncloseable openings that would render the system ineffective. All storage containers should be visually inspected for any signs of damage, rust or loose mounting hardware. Cylinders that are leaking, corroded, dented or bulging should be hydrostatically retested or replaced. System piping should be visually inspected to check for damage, loose supports and corrosion. Nozzles should be inspected to ensure they have not been obstructed by the storage of spare parts or a new installation of structure or machinery. The manifold should be inspected to verify that all flexible discharge hoses and fittings are properly tightened. All entrance doors to the protected space should close properly and should have warning signs, which indicate that the space is protected by a fixed carbon dioxide system and that personnel should evacuate immediately if the alarms sound. All remote releasing controls should be checked for clear operating instructions and indication as to the space served Minimum Maintenance For passenger ships consideration may be given to harmonising these activities with the requirements of Res.A997(25) At least biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at each intermediate, periodical or renewal survey in cargo ships, the following maintenance should be carried out: All high pressure cylinders and pilot cylinders should be weighed or have their Cylinder contents verified by reliable means. Cylinders containing less than 90% of the nominal charge should be refilled. The liquid level of low pressure storage tanks should be checked to verify that the required amount of carbon dioxide to protect the largest hazard is available;. The hydrostatic test date of all storage containers should be checked. High pressure cylinders should be subjected to periodical tests at intervals not exceeding 10 years. Every 10 years, at least 10% of the total number provided should be subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50% of the onboard cylinders should be tested. If further Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 2 of 7 Revision no.01

3 cylinders fail, all cylinders should be tested. Flexible hoses should be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and not exceeding every 10 years. For existing ships which have to date applied the requirements of Rev.00 of this bulletin for hydrostatic testing of HP CO2 cylinders, the above testing regime should be applied at the renewal or periodical survey next due on or after 01 January The discharge piping and nozzles should be tested to verify that they are not blocked. The test should be performed by isolating the discharge piping from the system and blowing dry air or nitrogen from test cylinders or suitable means through the piping At least biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at each renewal survey in cargo ships, the following maintenance should be carried out by a competent specialist maintenance firm. For passenger ships consideration may be given to harmonising these activities with the requirements of Res.A997(25) Where possible, all activating heads should be removed from the cylinder valves and tested for correct functioning by applying full working pressure through the pilot lines. In cases where this is not possible, pilot lines should be disconnected from the cylinder valves and blanked off or connected together and tested with full working pressure from the release station and checked for leakage. In both cases this should be carried out from one or more release stations when installed. If manual pull cables operate the remote release controls, they should be checked to verify the cables and corner pulleys are in good condition and freely move and do not require an excessive amount of travel to activate the system All cable components should be cleaned and adjusted as necessary, and the cable connectors should be properly tightened. If the remote release controls are operated by pneumatic pressure, the tubing should be checked for leakage, and the proper charge of the remote releasing station pilot gas cylinders should be verified. All controls and warning devices should function normally, and the time delay, if fitted should prevent the discharge of gas for the required time period. 2.4 Where the fixed installation is under maintenance and inoperable, alternative arrangements shall be made for dealing with fires in the protected spaces. Proposals for such alternative arrangements must be agreed with the Recognised Organisation and the BMA. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 3 of 7 Revision no.01

4 3. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of Halon Gas cylinders and Low Pressure CO2 systems 3.1. With regard to potential leakage and losses to atmosphere in the course of Halon transfer, and the limited availability of Halon reception facilities, periodical hydrostatic testing of cylinders containing Halon Gas may be waived on application to the BMA. This is subject to a satisfactory alternative inspection, to be proposed by a Bahamas Recognised Organisation Low Pressure CO2 systems may be exempted from hydrostatic pressure testing, subject to the following: i The tank is to be constructed of a material which is not ordinarily prone to corrosion (e.g. Stainless Steel, Aluminium or similar), and ii Fittings and inspection of the tank are in accordance with Classification Society requirements, and iii Documentary evidence to show that the tank and associated systems have been inspected and serviced annually. Annual inspection should include removal of insulation and sample inspection in way of pipes and fittings. The insulation and vapour barrier is to be properly reinstated, and iv The tank shall not be exposed to extremes of temperature or pressure. Such exposure will cause the inspection and testing regime to be reviewed. The BMA is to be notified in such cases. 4. Specific Requirements for Halon Gas The Bahamas Maritime Authority notes the internationally-agreed detrimental effect that the release of Halon has on the atmosphere but recognizes that there are existing ships which have Halon installed for fire extinguishing purposes. This guidance note takes into account the contents of the Montreal Protocol, IMO Resolutions A. 655 (16) and A. 719 (17) and guidance in IMO MSC Circulars 600 and New Installations In accordance with the provisions of SOLAS Chapter II-I on the installation of fire extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301 and 2402 and perfluorocarbons, such system is prohibited on all new buildings. New installations on existing vessels are also prohibited. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 4 of 7 Revision no.01

5 4.2. Discharge or Loss of Pressure of Existing Halon Gas cylinder In the event of the discharge or loss of pressure of the Halon Gas cylinders the BMA will accept the replenishment of the used cylinders which remain in satisfactory condition The safety of the vessel and its crew remains paramount and if Halon Gas is not readily available, the ship will be required to ensure that the affected space has adequate fire fighting capability prior to departure from port. The adequacy of any temporary arrangement shall be to the satisfaction of the Recognised Organisation and the BMA, taking into account the relevant guidance in IMO MSC Circular Phase out of Halon Gas Currently, there is no internationally agreed date for the phasing out of Halon however there may be local or regional regulations that impose restrictions on the use and/or phase out of Halon. The BMA recommends that Owners make themselves aware of these restrictions that may be applied by the country to which the ship is trading Owners of ships with existing Halon systems should note that the worldwide stock of Halon (see IMO Circular FP.1/Circ.40, as amended for details of the available facilities) is diminishing and it is strongly recommended that a plan is implemented for the replacement the Halon system onboard Details of any proposed replacement of a system containing Halon must be forwarded to the Recognised Organisation. 5. Alternative Fixed Gas Fire Fighting Media 5.1. Alternative fire fighting systems referred to in SOLAS Chapter II-2, and the IGC Code for protection of machinery and accommodation spaces, pump rooms and cargo spaces may be fitted on board ships, subject to the approval, including any attached conditions, of a Bahamas Recognised Organisation or Contracting Government. The BMA shall receive prior notification of intention to fit an alternative system which has not been previously accepted by the BMA The BMA accepts the use of NOVEC 1230 and FM 200 (nonasphyxiating) fire extinguishing agents in machinery spaces for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed under the provisions of SOLAS Chapter II-2 requirements, subject to conditions (to be agreed on a case by case basis) appropriate to the space in question and provided that the space is not connected to an accommodation space. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 5 of 7 Revision no.01

6 5.3. In the case of alternative fire extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces under the provisions of SOLAS Chapter II-2 requirements, arrangements may be evaluated and an exemption certificate may be issued, subject to relevant conditions and in conjunction with a list of specified cargoes as appropriate, without reference to the BMA. 6. Portable & Semi Portable Fire Extinguishers In determining the requirements for portable fire extinguishers, Recognised Organisations are directed to IMO Resolution A.951 (23), MSC Circular 850 and the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) Chapter Examination and Testing of Portable & Semi Portable Fire Extinguishers 7.1. All extinguishers shall be examined annually and records of the examinations shall be retained on board The containers of permanently pressurised fire extinguishers, propellant bottles of non-pressurised extinguishers and other extinguishers must be hydraulically pressure tested at intervals of ten (10) years. Containers of non-pressurised extinguishers shall also be tested at intervals of ten (10) years. If the loss of gas from a carbon dioxide extinguisher or propellant bottle of any other type of extinguisher exceeds by 10% of the original charge as stamped on the extinguisher or bottle, the extinguisher or bottle must be inspected and recharged. Any extinguisher or bottle which has excessive corrosion shall be replaced. 8. Number of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Spare Charges 8.1. The number of portable fire extinguishers required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 is the number required to satisfy Classification Society rules but in no case less than five (5) for ships of 1000 gross tonnage and upwards The minimum number of spare charges carried on board for portable & semi portable extinguishers shall be in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2, namely: i 100% for the first 10 extinguishers; and ii 50% for the remaining extinguishers up to a maximum of Additional extinguishers of the same type and capacity shall be carried in lieu of spare charges for any extinguishers which cannot be charged on board ship. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 6 of 7 Revision no.01

7 8.4. Instructions for recharging extinguishers shall be carried on board ship and refills shall be of a type approved by the manufacturer of the extinguisher. 9. Additional Survey Requirements 9.1 In surveying the safety equipment on a vessel, Recognised Organisations shall verify that: i all fire fighting equipment has been inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions and the foregoing requirements; ii the manufacturer s maintenance instructions are on board; iii records of inspections, maintenance and pressure tests are maintained; and iv spare charges are provided in accordance with paragraphs 8.2 and Recognised Organisations shall refer, with relevant recommendations, any Bahamian ship which does not satisfy any of the foregoing requirements to the BMA prior to the issue or endorsement of a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, Passenger Ship Safety Certificate or any other statutory certificate that relates to safety equipment (e.g. MODU/MOU certificates). 10. Records Records shall be maintained onboard of: i monthly inspections, ii annual inspections, iii other maintenance and testing, iv deficiencies identified and corrective actions performed. Contact: tech@bahamasmaritime.com 7 of 7 Revision no.01