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Guidance Notes on Fire-Fighting SystemsGUIDANCE NOTES ONFIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMSMAY 2005 (Updated February 2015 – see next page)American Bureau of ShippingIncorporated by Act of Legislature ofthe State of New York 1862Copyright 2005American Bureau of ShippingABS Plaza16855 Northchase DriveHouston, TX 77060 USA
UpdatesFebruary 2015 consolidation includes: February 2014 version plus Corrigenda/EditorialsFebruary 2014 consolidation includes: June 2005 version plus Corrigenda/EditorialsJune 2005 consolidation includes: May 2005 version plus Corrigenda/Editorials
ForewordForewordPurposeThe ABS Rules incorporate many requirements intended to prevent the onset of a fire. However, evenwith all the preventative measures taken, shipboard fires still occur. Therefore, the proper design, installationand operation of the vessel’s fire-fighting systems are critical to the safety of a vessel and the personnel onboard.Since fire-fighting systems are so critical, the designs and arrangements of such systems should be carefullyevaluated for compliance with the ABS requirements by the designer and ABS Engineering staffs. TheseGuidance Notes have been developed to assist in a better understanding of the ABS requirements for suchsystems. They are intended to provide a general overview of ABS requirements that should be consideredduring technical plan review activities. These Guidance Notes also examine the basic scientific fundamentalsof fire, as appropriate for a proper understanding and application of the ABS requirements. Accordingly,this document should be considered as general guidance only and the technical reviews of fire-fightingsystems should verify compliance with all ABS Rules applicable to the specific vessel involved.Note:Rule references in these Guidance Notes (e.g. 4-7-2/1.1.1, etc.) are typically to the requirements found in the ABSRules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels, unless noted otherwise.ScopeThe scope of this document is limited to the review of ABS requirements considered during the technicalplan review of active fire-fighting systems onboard ABS-classed vessels. Passive fire protection arrangements,such as structural fire protection, as well as fire detection systems, are outside the scope of this document.Fire-fighting systems of offshore facilities and installations are also outside the scope of this document.The review of fire-fighting systems for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) InternationalConvention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements is also not within the scope of this document.However, in many cases, the ABS Rules for fire-fighting systems either incorporate or directly referenceIMO SOLAS fire-fighting system requirements. Accordingly, within the discussions of the ABS requirementsfor various fire-fighting systems, related “interpretations” of the associated SOLAS requirements, as developedby the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), are identified. These IACS interpretationsare called Unified Interpretations (UI). As an IACS member, ABS is obligated to apply these UIs as appropriateinterpretations of the SOLAS requirements, unless directed otherwise by the Flag Administration.Interpretations provided in the UIs should be considered when conducting technical plan reviews.Note:Development of appropriate Unified Interpretations and revision of existing UIs is an ongoing effort within theIACS Working Parties. Therefore, attention is directed to the latest edition of the IACS UI being available on thewebsite http://www.iacs.org.uk/index1.htm.In addition to the IACS UIs, IMO MSC Circular 847, “Interpretations of Vague Expressions and otherVague Wording in SOLAS Consolidated Edition 1997 Chapter II-2,” also provides guidance regarding SOLASfire-fighting system requirements. Many of the MSC Circular 847 interpretations are based upon the IACSUI interpretations, while others provide revised or additional interpretations of the SOLAS requirements.A number of the MSC Circular 847 interpretations have been included in the SOLAS 2000 consolidatededition. Consequently, these requirements were also incorporated into the ABS Rules. However, since theMSC Circular 847 interpretations identify useful information and guidance relative to certain Rulerequirements, “selected” IMO MSC Circular 847 interpretations have also been identified.Note:Regarding classification requirements, MSC Circular 847 interpretations which are not included within SOLAS havenot necessarily been officially adopted by ABS and should only be applied as directed by the ABS TechnicalConsistency Department. Further, MSC Circular 847 interpretations may not be mandatory for any particular FlagAdministration, except for those incorporated within SOLAS. Member Governments are only invited to use the annexedinterpretations as guidance, and therefore, specific instructions from the ABS Regulatory Affairs Department shouldbe obtained regarding the application of these interpretations on behalf of any particular Administration.ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005iii
Table of ContentsGUIDANCE NOTES ONFIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMSCONTENTSSECTION 1Basics of a Fire . 11Chemistry of Fire . 11.2State of Products in “Fire” Oxidation Process . 1Fundamentals of a Fire . 23The Fire Triangle . 23.1Fuel. 33.2Oxygen . 43.3Heat . 54The Fire Tetrahedron . 55Extinguishment Considering the Fire Tetrahedron . 55.1Removing the Fuel. 65.2Removing the Oxygen . 65.3Eliminating the Heat. 65.4Breaking the Chain Reaction . 7Hazardous/Combustible Materials . 76.1Flames . 76.2Heat . 76.3Gases . 86.4Smoke . 8FIGURE 1The Fire Triangle . 2FIGURE 2The Fire Tetrahedron . 5Classification of Fires . 91Overview . 92Class “A” Fires . 103ivOxidation . 126SECTION 21.12.1Wood and Wood-based Materials. 102.2Textiles and Fibers . 112.3Plastics and Rubber. 122.4Locations of Class “A” Materials Onboard . 132.5Extinguishment of Class “A” Fires. 14Class “B” Fires . 143.1Flammable Liquids. 143.2Flammable Gases. 16ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005
45SECTION 3Class “C” Fires . 184.1Types of Equipment . 184.2Electrical Faults that Cause Fires . 194.3Hazards of Electrical Fires. 194.4Locations of Electrical Equipment Onboard. 194.5Extinguishment of Class “C” Fires . 20Class “D” Fires . 205.1Hazards/Characteristics of Specific Metals . 205.2Locations of Class “D” Materials Onboard . 215.3Extinguishment of Class “D” Fires . 21TABLE 1Fire Classifications . 9TABLE 2Burning Characteristics of Synthetic Fibers . 12Fire Main Systems . 221General Principles of the Fire Main System . 222Extinguishing Capabilities of Water . 223Moving Water to the Fire. 2243.1Straight Streams . 233.2Fog Streams . 26ABS Requirements for Fire Main Systems . 284.1Main Fire Pumps . 284.2Emergency Fire Pump . 314.3Fire Main Sizing and System Pressures . 334.4Fire Hose Reaction . 354.5Isolation Valves and Routing Arrangements. 364.6Fire Main Piping Components/Materials . 364.7Hydrant Locations and Fire Hoses/Nozzles. 374.8International Shore Connection Arrangements. 394.9Cold Weather Protection . 394.10Additional Requirements for Vessels with AutomationNotations . 404.11Alternative Requirements for Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters inLength and less than 1000 Gross Tons . 404.12Additional Requirements for Oil and Fuel Oil Carriers . 404.13Additional Requirements for Passenger Vessels . 414.14Additional/Alternative Requirements for Ro-Ro Vessels . 434.15Additional/Alternative Requirements for Gas Carriers . 434.16Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 feet) in Length . 444.17High-Speed Craft . 454.18Cargo Vessels for River Service . 484.19Additional Requirements for Passenger Vessels in RiverService . 494.20Yachts . 504.21Fishing Vessels . 504.22Accommodation Barges . 51ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005v
SECTION 4TABLE 1Water Discharge Rates . 24TABLE 2Horizontal Reach of Water Streams . 25TABLE 3Dimensions of International Shore Connection . 39TABLE 4Cross-reference of Under 90 Meter Rules Requirements . 44TABLE 5Pump Capacities .45Fixed Gas Fire-extinguishing Systems. 541Principles of Fixed Gas Fire-extinguishing Systems . 542CO2 Fire-extinguishing Systems . 543SECTION 5Agent Characteristics. 542.2Effectiveness . 542.3CO2 System Applications . 55ABS Requirements for Fixed Gas Extinguishing Systems . 553.1General Requirements . 553.2Additional Requirements for Fixed CO2 Gas ExtinguishingSystems . 613.3Additional Control Requirements for CO2 Systems. 633.4Additional Requirements for Low Pressure CO2 Systems . 643.5Additional Requirements for Vessels Receiving an “ACCU”Automation Notation . 663.6Governmental Authorization . 663.7Steam Smothering Systems . 663.8Halon Systems . 673.9Requirements for Systems using Halon “Alternatives”. 673.10Additional/Alternative Requirements for Special Locations . 67TABLE 1Minimum Pipe Wall Thickness of Gas Medium DistributionPiping . 56TABLE 2CO2 Requirements .62Fixed Water Fire-extinguishing Systems . 701General Principles of Fixed Water Fire-extinguishing Systems. 702vi2.11.1Water Spray System . 701.2Water Sprinkler Systems . 711.3Water Mist Systems . 71ABS Requirements for Fixed Water Spray, Water Sprinkler, andWater Mist Systems . 722.1General System Component Requirements . 722.2Fixed Water Spray Systems in Machinery Spaces . 732.3Fixed Water Sprinkler Systems in Accommodation Spaces . 752.4Fixed Water Spray Systems in Ro-Ro Spaces . 792.5Fixed Water Mist Systems in Machinery Spaces and CargoPump Rooms . 812.6Fixed Water Mist Systems in Accommodation and ServiceSpaces . 85ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005
SECTION 6Foam Fire-extinguishing Systems . 901Foam . 902General Principals of Foam Extinguishing Systems . 903SECTION 72.1Extinguishing Effects of Foam . 902.2Foam Characteristics . 902.3Types of Foams . 912.4Limitations on the Use of Foam . 932.5Advantages of Foam . 932.6Basic Guidelines for Foam . 942.7Foam System Equipment . 942.8Foam Fire Fighting Application Techniques . 97ABS Requirements for Foam Extinguishing Systems . 983.1General Requirements Applicable to All Foam Systems . 983.2Additional Requirements for “Oil Carrier” Deck Foam Systems. 993.3Additional Requirements for “Chemical Carrier” Deck FoamSystems. 1043.4Additional Requirements for Fixed High Expansion FoamSystems in Machinery Spaces . 1083.5Additional Requirements for Supplementary Fixed LowExpansion Foam Systems in Machinery Spaces . 1093.6Additional Requirements for Helicopter Landing Facilities . 110TABLE 1System Capacity . 110FIGURE 1Calculation of Foam System Capacity – Oil Carrier . 103FIGURE 2Calculation of Foam System Capacity – ChemicalTankers . 107Gas Carrier Cargo Area Fire-extinguishing Systems . 1121Unique Hazards of Fires Onboard Gas Carriers . 1121.12General Principles of Cargo Deck Dry Chemical ExtinguishingSystem . 1132.13Extinguishing Effects of Dry Chemical . 113ABS Requirements for Fire Fighting Systems Onboard GasCarriers . 1143.1Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishing Systems . 1143.2Cargo Area Water Spray Systems . 1163.3Fire Main System . 1173.4Cargo Pump/Compressor Room Fixed CO2 Fire ExtinguishingSystem . 117TABLE 1SECTION 8Flammability . 112Fixed Monitor Requirements . 114Portable/Semi-portable Fire Extinguishers . 1181Portable and Semi-portable Fire Extinguishers . 1181.1Water-type Fire Extinguishers . 1181.2Foam-type Fire Extinguishers. 120ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005vii
2SECTION 9viii1.3Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers . 1211.4Dry Chemical-type Fire Extinguishers. 1211.5Dry Powder-type Fire Extinguishers . 1221.6Portable Fire Extinguishers . 1231.7Semi-portable Fire Extinguishers . 1231.8Fire Extinguisher Designations . 123ABS Requirements for Portable/Semi-portable FireExtinguishers. 1242.1Sizing of Portable Extinguishers . 1242.2Approval of Portable and Semi-portable Extinguishers. 1242.3Spaces Containing Boilers (Main or Auxiliary), Oil-firedEquipment . 1242.4Category “A” Machinery Spaces Containing InternalCombustion Machinery . 1262.5Combined Boiler and Internal Combustion Engine MachinerySpaces . 1272.6Spaces Containing Steam Turbines or Steam Engines . 1272.7Portable/Semi-portable Fire Extinguishers in Other MachinerySpaces . 1282.8Accommodations, Service Spaces and Control Stations . 1282.9Fire Protection Arrangements for Paint Lockers . 1302.10Fire Protection Arrangements for Helicopter Landing Areas . 1302.11Vessels with Automation Designation “ACCU” . 1302.12Additional Requirements for Ro-Ro Spaces, Ro-Ro SpacesCarrying Motor Vehicles with Fuel in Their Tanks, andCargo Spaces Carrying Motor Vehicles with Fuel inTheir Tanks (other than Ro-Ro Spaces) . 1302.13Additional Requirements for Vessels Carrying DangerousGoods . 1312.14Additional Requirements for Chemical Carriers . 1312.15Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) . 1312.16Oil Carriers Under 30.5 Meters (100 Feet) . 1322.17Spare Charges . 132TABLE 1Portable/Semi-portable Extinguisher Classifications .123TABLE 2Spaces Containing Boilers or Oil-fired Equipment.126TABLE 3Combined Boiler/Internal Combustion Engine MachinerySpaces .127TABLE 4Portable/Semi-portable Extinguishers – Vessels Under90 meters .131Additional Fire Protection Requirements . 1331Segregation of Fuel Oil Purifiers for Heated Oil. 1332Segregation of High Pressure Hydraulic Units . 1343Requirements for Piping Systems Handling Oil . 1343.1Material Requirements for Piping Systems Conveying Oil . 1343.2Remote Closure Arrangements for Valves on Oil Tanks . 1343.3Fuel Oil and Lube Oil Systems on Engines . 1343.4Insulation Requirements for Heated Surfaces . 135ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005
43.5Remote Stopping of Fuel Oil Pumps and Thermal FluidCirculating Pumps . 1353.6Remote Stops for Ventilation Fans and Closing Arrangementsfor Openings . 135Paint/Flammable Liquid Lockers . 1354.1Lockers of 4 m2 (43 ft2) and More Floor Area . 1354.2Lockers of Less Than 4 m2 (43 ft2) Floor Area. 136SECTION 10 Fire Control Plans . 1371Standardized Symbols . 1372ABS Requirements for Fire Control Plans . 1372.1Steel Vessels 90 Meters in Length and Greater in UnrestrictedService . 1372.2Vessels with Automation Designation “ACC” . 1432.3Vessels with Automation Designation “ACCU” . 1442.4Additional Requirements for Vessels Carrying DangerousGoods . 1452.5Additional Requirements for Vessels Carrying Bulk Oil . 1452.6Additional Requirements for Gas Carriers . 1452.7Additional Requirements for Chemical Carriers. 1472.8Additional Requirements for Passenger Vessels . 1472.9Additional Requirements for Ro-Ro Spaces . 1492.10Additional Requirements for Cargo Spaces, Other Than Ro-RoCargo Spaces, Intended to Carry Vehicles with Fuel in TheirTanks. 1502.11Vessels Under 500 Gross Tons . 1502.12Barges . 150TABLE 1Minimum Number of Required EEBDs . 142APPENDIX 1 References . 151ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 2005ix
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Section 1: Basics of a FireSECTION1Basics of a FireFire is a phenomenon with which everyone is familiar. We use it daily to heat our homes and cook ourmeals. When harnessed, the power and energy from fire serves us well; however, when it is uncontrolled,a fire can quickly consume and destroy whatever lies in its path.While we are all familiar with fire, few of us are aware of its nature and complex processes. This Sectionexamines the phenomena and various mechanisms at work within a fire and is intended to provide a betterunderstanding of the requirements in fire-fighting scenarios.1Chemistry of Fire1.1OxidationOxidation is a chemical reaction between the molecules of a substance and the oxygen molecules in thesurrounding atmosphere. There are many common examples of oxidation, including the rusting of iron,the tarnishing of silver, or the rotting of wood.What is known as fire is actually a chemical reaction involving the oxidation of the fuel molecules. However,the reaction occurs at a much faster rate and only under certain conditions (e.g., elevated temperatures,proper mixture, etc.). In addition, what is called burning or combustion is actually the continuous rapidoxidation of millions of fuel molecules. Recognizing that the fire or combustion process is actually a chemicalreaction (involving the oxidation of the fuel molecules) is critical to understanding the basics of the firephenomena.The oxidation reaction is an exothermic process (i.e., one in which heat is given off). The molecules oxidizeby breaking apart into individual atoms and recombine with the oxygen atoms to form new molecules.During this process, a certain amount of energy is released. In the examples of rusting iron or rotting wood,the amount of energy released is minimal since these oxidation processes occur at a very slow rate. Howeverin a fire, the oxidation rate of the fuel molecules is much faster. Because of this rapid reaction, energy isreleased at a much greater rate. The released energy is actually felt and seen in the form of heat and light.The more rapid the oxidation rate, the greater intensity in which the energy is released. An explosion is, infact, the oxidation of a combustible media at an extremely fast rate.1.2State of Products in “Fire” Oxidation ProcessAll substances exist in one of three states: as a solid, a liquid or a vapor (gas). For the oxidation process tooccur, there must be an adequate intermixing of the oxygen and fuel molecules. For fuel molecules in eithera solid or liquid state, the molecules are tightly bound and cannot be effectively surrounded by the oxygenmolecules in the atmosphere. Therefore, molecules in either a liquid or solid state are not directly involvedin the rapid chemical reaction of oxidation in a fire.However, fuel molecules in a vapor state are free to mix with the atmosphere. These molecules becomeeffectively surrounded by the oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and are available to become involved in theoxidation process. In fact, only fuel molecules in a vapor state are actually involved in the oxidation process.While fuel molecules in the solid or liquid states are not directly involved in the oxidation process, whenheated, these molecules will move about more rapidly. If enough heat (energy) is applied, some fuelmolecules break away from the surface to form a vapor just above the surface. This new vapor can nowmix with oxygen and can become involved in the oxidation process. Accordingly, the fuel molecules in asolid or liquid state do serve as the source of additional fuel vapors when exposed to heat.Note:Usually, molecules in a liquid state can break free more easily than those in a solid state. In many cases, little orno additional heat is necessary for at least some of the fuel molecules in a liquid state to have sufficient energy tobreak free of the surface and enter the vapor state.ABS GUIDANCE NOTES ON FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEMS . 20051
Section21Basics of a FireFundamentals of a FireThe combustion process, or burning, is in fact the rapid oxidation of millions of fuel molecules in thevapor form. Once there is sufficient oxygen and the fuel vapor molecules properly mix, an ignition sourceis typically needed for oxidation to be initi
plan review of active fire-fighting systems onboard ABS-classed vessels. Passive fire protection arrangements, such as structural fire protection, as well as fire detection systems, are outside the scope of this document. Fire-fighting systems of offshore facilities and installations are also outside the scope of this document.
