9.9 Fire-extinguishing arrangement in machinery spaces and in spaces containing fired processes

  9.9.1 In spaces where main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers and other fired processes of equivalent thermal rating are situated, or in spaces containing oil fuel units or settling tanks, the unit should be provided with the following:

• .1 One of the following fixed fire-extinguishing systems complying with SOLAS regulation II-2/10.4:

  • .1.1 a fixed pressure water-spraying system;

  • .1.2 a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system;

  • .1.3 a fixed high-expansion foam installation.

  Where the machinery space and spaces containing fired processes are not entirely separate, or if fuel oil can drain from the latter spaces into the machinery space, the combined machinery space and fired process space should be considered as one compartment.

• .2 At least two approved portable foam extinguishers or equivalent in each space containing a fired process and each space in which a part of the oil fuel installation is situated. In addition, at least one extinguisher of the same description with a capacity of 9 l for each burner, whereby the total capacity of the additional extinguisher or extinguishers need not exceed 45 l for any one space.

• .3 A receptacle containing sand, sawdust impregnated with soda, or other approved dry material in such quantity as may be required by the Administration. An approved portable extinguisher may be provided as an alternative.

  9.9.2 Spaces containing internal combustion machinery used either for main propulsion or for other purposes, when such machinery has a total power output of not less than 750 kW, should be provided with the following arrangements:

• .1 one of the fixed arrangements required by paragraph 9.9.1.1; and

• .2 one approved foam-type extinguisher of not less than 45 l capacity or equivalent in every engine space and one approved portable foam extinguisher for each 750 kW of engine power output or part thereof. The total number of portable extinguishers so supplied should be not less than two and need not exceed six.

  9.9.3 The Administration should give special consideration to the fire-extinguishing arrangements to be provided in spaces not fitted with fixed fire-extinguishing installations containing steam turbines which are separated from boiler rooms by watertight bulkheads.

  9.9.4 Where, in the opinion of the Administration, a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed in paragraphs 9.9.1 to 9.9.3, there should be provided in, or adjacent to, that space a number of approved portable fire extinguishers or other means of fire extinction to the satisfaction of the Administration.