2.1 The system should either be automatic or capable
of manual release from a location remote from the protected area.
2.2 The system should be capable of fire suppression
based on testing conducted in accordance with the appendix to these
Guidelines.
2.3 The system should be capable of fire suppression
on open deck areas with expected wind conditions while the vessel
is underway. The fire test does not require the use of actual wind
velocities; instead, a nominal wind speed is included to account for
variables in balcony geometry and related issues. Although the test
ventilation conditions are intended to provide a safety factor, it
is recognized that in an actual fire, the master and crew are expected
to take appropriate actions to manoeuvre the ship to assist the suppression
system.
2.4 The system should be available for immediate
use and capable of continuously operating for at least 30 min.
2.5 The system and its components should be suitably
designed to withstand ambient temperature changes, vibration, humidity,
shock, impact, clogging and corrosion normally encountered on open
deck areas. Open head nozzles should be tested in accordance with
appendix A of MSC/Circ.1165
footnote. Automatic nozzles should be tested in accordance
with appendix 1 of resolution A.800(19)
footnote.
2.6 The location, type and characteristics of
the nozzles should be within the limits tested, as referred to in
the appendix. Nozzle positioning should take into account obstructions
to the spray of the fire-fighting system. Automatic nozzles should
have fast response characteristics as defined in ISO standard 6182-1:2004.
2.7 The piping system should be sized in accordance
with a hydraulic calculation technique such as the Hazen-Williams
hydraulic calculation techniquefootnote and
the Darcy-Weisbach hydraulic calculation technique, to ensure availability
of flows and pressures required for correct performance of the system.
2.8 The minimum capacity and design of the supply
system for a manually released system should be based on the complete
protection of the most hydraulically demanding section. The minimum
capacity and design of the supply system for an automatic system should
be based on the complete protection of the eight most hydraulically
remote balconies, but not to exceed 50 m2.
2.9 The water supply for cabin balcony systems
may be fed from an independent supply, or they may be fed from the
supply to another water-based fire-fighting system providing that
adequate water quantity and pressure are available as indicated below:
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.1 Manually released systems: The water supply
should be capable of supplying the largest balcony section and, if
supplied by the sprinkler system, the capacity should be adequate
to supply eight adjacent cabins. If supplied by the fire main, the
system should be capable of supplying the largest balcony section
plus the two jets of water required by SOLAS regulations II-2/10.2.1.3 and II-2/10.2.1.6.
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.2 Automatic systems: The water supply should
be capable of supplying the eight most hydraulically demanding balconies,
but not to exceed 50 m2. If combined with the sprinkler
system, the design area in total need not exceed 280 m2.
2.10 The system should be grouped into sections.
A manually released section should not serve cabin balconies on both
sides of the ship, except that the same section may serve balconies
located on one side of the ship and balconies in the fore or aft end
of the ship.
2.11 The system section valves and operation controls
should be located at easily accessible positions outside the protected
space, not likely to be cut off by a fire in the cabin balconies.
2.12 A means for testing the operation of the
system for assuring the required pressure and flow should be provided.
2.13 Activation of any water supply pump should
give a visual and audible alarm at a continuously manned central control
station or onboard safety centre.
2.14 Any parts of the system which may be subjected
to freezing temperatures in service should be suitably protected against
freezing.
2.15 The system should be provided with a redundant
means of pumping or otherwise supplying the discharge nozzles. The
capacity of the redundant means should be sufficient to compensate
for the loss of any single pump or supply source. The system should
be fitted with a permanent sea inlet and be capable of continuous
operation using seawater.
2.16 Operating instructions for the system should
be displayed at each operating position.
2.17 Spare parts and operating and maintenance
instructions for the system should be provided as recommended by the
manufacturer.
2.18 Dry pipe systems should be arranged such
that water will discharge from the farthest sprinkler within 60 s
of actuation of the sprinkler.