7.2.1 The hull should be constructed of approved
non-combustible materials having adequate structural properties. The
Administration may permit the use of other materials provided that
it is satisfied that the additional precautions taken are sufficient
to ensure that an equivalent level of fire safety is achieved.
7.2.2 Fire hazard areas should be enclosed by
fire-resisting divisions complying with the requirements of 7.2.5
except where, in the opinion of the Administration, the omission of
any such division would not affect the safety of the craft. These
requirements need not apply to those parts of the structure in contact
with water at the lightweight condition, but due regard should be
given to the effect of heat transfer from any uninsulated structure
in contact with water to insulated structure above the water.
7.2.3 Control stations, life-saving appliances
stowage positions, escape routes and places of embarkation into survival
craft should not, as far as practicable, be located adjacent to any
fire hazard areas.
7.2.4 Control stations should be provided with
appropriate structural protection to the satisfaction of the Administration,
having due regard to the craft's arrangements.
7.2.5 Fire-resisting divisions should preferably
be of non-combustible material but other material insulated as required
may be accepted by the Administration. They should prevent the passage
of flame and smoke through them in the standard fire test for a period
equal to the greater of: 30 minutes; or three times the demonstrated
time necessary for embarkation into survival craft referred to in 4.4.3 plus an allowance of seven minutes for
initial detection and extinguishing action.
7.2.6 The main structures within the fire hazard
areas should withstand the effect of flame during the standard fire
test for the period of time specified in 7.2.5 without serious risk
of collapse.
7.2.7 If the structures specified in 7.2.2, 7.2.5
and 7.2.6 are made of aluminium alloy, their insulation should be
such that the temperature of the core does not rise more than 200°C
above the ambient temperature during the first 30 minutes of the standard
fire test.
7.2.8 Pipes, ducts, and controls penetrating a
fire-resisting division should not reduce its fire-resisting integrity.
7.2.9 In general, thermal and acoustic insulation
should be of non-combustible materials.
7.2.10 Where insulation is installed in areas
in which it could come into contact with any flammable fluids or their
vapour, its surface should be impermeable to such flammable fluids
or vapours.
7.2.11 All ceilings and linings should be made
of non-combustible materials. For facings it is permitted to use combustible
materials having a total thickness of not greater than 1.5 millimetres
and having low flame-spread characteristics.
7.2.12 Furniture installed in the craft should
be of non-combustible materials. However, the materials used for upholstery
and trim may be combustible but should possess low flame-spread characteristics.
7.2.13 The Administration may permit the use of
materials other than those required in 7.2.9, 7.2.11, 7.2.1 2, provided
that it is satisfied that additional precautions are taken sufficient
to ensure that equivalent fire safety is achieved.
7.2.14 Materials used in the craft, when exposed
to local fire, should not emit smoke or toxic gases in quantities
that could be dangerous to the occupants of the craft.
7.2.15 When combustible materials are installed
to provide buoyancy, these materials should be reliably protected
against potential sources of ignition or contamination by flammable
fluids.
7.2.16 In compartments where smoking is allowed,
suitable ash containers should be provided. In compartments where
smoking is not allowed, adequate notices should be displayed.
7.2.17 The exhaust gas pipes should be arranged
so that the risk of fire is kept to a minimum. To this effect, all
the compartments and structures which are contiguous with the exhaust
system, or those which may be affected by increased temperatures caused
by waste gases in normal operation or in an emergency, should be constructed
of noncombustible material, or shielded with such material to the
extent required by the Administration.
7.2.18 The design and arrangement of the exhaust
manifolds or jet pipes should be such as to ensure the safe discharge
of exhaust gases.