7.1.1 The requirements in this chapter are based
on the following conditions:
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(a) Where a fire is detected, the crew immediately
puts into action the fire-fighting appliances, informs the port or
base port of the accident and prepares, if necessary, for the evacuation
of passengers.
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(b) The use of fuel with a flashpoint below 43°C
is not recommended. However, fuel with a lower flashpoint, but not
lower than 38°C may be used provided suitable precautions, to
the satisfaction of the Administration, are taken against the risk
of fire and explosion.
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(c) Members of the crew are aware of the instructions
approved by the Administration which specify the actions of the crew
in the event of fire on the craft and that these instructions are
permanently on board the craft and appropriate drills of the crew
are arranged regularly.
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(d) The repair and maintenance of the craft are
carried out in accordance with methods to the satisfaction of the
Administration.
7.1.2 For the purpose of this chapter, unless
expressly defined otherwise the following definitions apply:
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(a) "Fire hazard areas" are those compartments
where the proximity to each other of combustible materials or flammable
liquids and potential sources of ignition (electrical equipment, heat
surfaces, etc.) may promote the initiation of fire (machinery spaces,
etc.).
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(b) "Control stations" are those spaces in which
the primary and emergency controls or instruments, the craft's radio
or main navigating equipment or the emergency source of power is located
or where the fire recording or fire control equipment is centralized.
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(c) A "Standard Fire Test" is one in which specimens
of the relevant bulkheads or decks are exposed in a test furnace to
temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard time-temperature
curve. The specimen should have an exposed surface of not less than
4.65 square metres and height (or length of deck) of 2.44 metres resembling
as closely as possible the intended construction and including where
appropriate at least one joint. The standard time-temperature curve
is defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following points:
at the end of the first 5 minutes - 538°C.
at the end of the first 10 minutes - 704°C.
at the end of the first 30 minutes - 843°C.
at the end of the first 60 minutes - 927°C.
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(d) "Special Category Spaces" are those enclosed
spaces intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their
tanks for their own propulsion, into and from which such vehicles
can be driven and to which passengers have access.
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(e) "Non-combustible material" means a material
which neither burns nor gives off flammable vapours in sufficient
quantity for self-ignition when heated to approximately 750°C,
this being determined to the satisfaction of the Administration by
an established test procedurefootnote. Any other
material is a combustible material.
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(f) "Steel or other equivalent material". Where
the words "steel or other equivalent material" occur, "equivalent
material" means any material which, by itself or due to insulation
provided, has structural and integrity properties equivalent to steel
at the end of the applicable fire exposure to the standard fire test
(e.g. aluminium alloy with appropriate insulation).
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(g) "Flashpoint" means a flashpoint determined
by an approved apparatus using the closed cup test.
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(h) "Low flame spread" means that the surface
which may be exposed to a fire will adequately restrict the spread
of flame, this being determined to the satisfaction of the Administration
by an established test procedure.