Chapter 7 - Explosives Stowage
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - SPS Code - Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships – Resolution A.534(13) - Annex - Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships - Chapter 7 - Explosives Stowage

Chapter 7 - Explosives Stowage

  7.1 Explosives associated with the special purpose of the ship should be stored in one of the following categories of magazines:

  • .1 Integral magazines - those forming an integral part of the ship;

  • .2 Independent magazines - that are non-integral, portable magazines with a capacity of 3 m3 or greater;

  • .3 Magazine boxes - that are non-integral, portable magazines with a capacity of less than 3 m3.

  7.2 The following minimum provisions should be applied bearing in mind that additional provisions may be required by the Administration dependent on the nature of the explosives.

  7.3 Integral magazines should not be located in close proximity to and never below accommodation spaces and not in close proximity to control spaces.

  7.4 Integral magazines should not be located adjacent to a boiler room, engine room, galley or other space presenting a fire hazard. If it is necessary to construct the magazine in proximity to these areas, a cofferdam of at least 0.6 m should be provided separating the two spaces. Such a cofferdam should be provided with ventilation and should not be used for stowage. One of the bulkheads forming the cofferdam should be of A-15 construction unless there is adjacent machinery space of category A in which case A-30 is appropriate.

  7.5 Access to integral magazines should preferably be from the open deck, but in no case through spaces mentioned in paragraphs 7.3 and 7.4.

  7.6 Independent magazines and magazine boxes should be located on a weather deck in a location protected from direct impact of the sea. The location should provide sufficient protection against warm air or hazardous vapours being emitted from galleys, pump-rooms, etc. Due regard should be paid to the possible risk of subjecting certain explosives to radio emissions.

  7.7 Magazine boxes should be located on a weather deck at least 0.1 m from the deck and any deck-house and in a position suitable for jettisoning the contents.

  7.8 Integral magazines should be of permanent watertight construction and formed by permanent A-15 class divisions. A-0 class divisions may be allowed if spaces adjacent to the magazine do not contain flammable products.

  7.9 Magazines should be insulated with non-combustible material as necessary to prevent the condensation of moisture.

  7.10 Light fixtures installed in magazines should be equipped with globes and guards. Control of lighting systems should be from outside the magazine. An indicator light should be provided at the switch location to indicate when circuits are energized. Other electrical equipment and wiring should not be installed within or pass through magazines except electrical cables enclosed in a watertight trunk.

  7.11 Piping of fresh or salt water and drainage systems and piping systems installed in the magazines themselves may be routed through magazines. Piping of other systems should be permitted only if they are enclosed in a watertight trunk.

  7.12 Magazines should be provided with a means whereby they may be securely locked to prevent unauthorized access.

  7.13 Racks, stanchions, battens, or other devices should be installed to provide safe stowage of explosives in their approved shipping containers with a minimum of dunnage.

  7.14 Decks of magazines should be covered with a permanent nonslip, nonspark covering.

  7.15 Independent magazines should be of weathertight metal construction. The interior should be insulated with a non-combustible insulation providing an A-15 standard.

  7.16 The electrical terminals on independent magazines for connection to the ship's electrical system should be of watertight construction and should bear a label plate denoting the power requirement of the magazine.

  7.17 Independent magazines should bear a label plate stating light weight and maximum allowable weight of explosives.

  7.18 Magazine boxes should be of watertight metal construction having a body and lid thickness of not less than 3 mm. Where the box may be exposed to direct sun, sun shields should be provided.

  7.19 Integral magazines should be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation fitted with flame screen sufficient to maintain the magazine temperature below 38°C.

  7.20 Independent magazines should be provided with efficient natural ventilation fitted with flame screen.

  7.21 In integral and in independent magazines a sprinkler system should be installed with an application rate of 24 l/m2 per minute. Equivalent means may be accepted by the Administration. The controls should be clearly marked as to their function.

  7.22 Integral and independent magazines should be clearly labelled indicating:

  • .1 the space is a magazine

  • .2 open lights and flame should be kept away

  • .3 the magazine door should be kept shut

  • .4 matches and lighters should be removed prior to entering

  • .5 not to lift with contents (in the case of independent magazines).

  7.23 Magazine boxes should be clearly labelled indicating:

  • .1 the container is a magazine box

  • .2 open lights and flame should be kept away

  • .3 the box should be kept shut.

  7.24 Detonators should be stowed separately from the other explosives.


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