9.11 Provisions for helicopter facilities
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1979 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units – Resolution A.414(XI) - Chapter 9 – Fire Safety - 9.11 Provisions for helicopter facilities

9.11 Provisions for helicopter facilities

  9.11.1 Helicopter decks should be of steel or equivalent fire resistant construction. If the space below the helicopter deck is a high fire risk space, the insulation standard should be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  9.11.2 On any helicopter deck there should be provided and stored near to the means of access to that deck:

  • .1 dry powder extinguishers of a total capacity of not less than 45 kilogrammes;

  • .2 a suitable foam application system consisting of monitors or foam-making branch pipes capable of delivering foam solution at a rate of not less than 6 litres per minute for at least 5 minutes for each square metre of the area contained within a circle of diameter "D", where "D" is the distance in metres across the main rotor and tail rotor in the fore and aft line of a helicopter with a single main rotor and across both rotors for a tandem rotor helicopter;

  • .3 carbon dioxide extinguishers of a total capacity of not less than 18 kilogrammes or equivalent, one of these extinguishers being so equipped as to enable it to reach the engine area of any helicopter using the deck; and

  • .4 at least two dual purpose nozzles and hoses sufficient to reach any part of the helicopter deck.

  9.11.3 During helicopter arrivals and departures a pre-arranged procedure should be put into operation whereby suitably trained fire safety personnel are available.

  9.11.4

  • .1 A designated area should be provided for the storage of fuel tanks which should be:

    • .1 as remote as is practicable from accommodation spaces, escape routes and embarkation stations; and

    • .2 suitably isolated from areas containing a source of vapour ignition.

  • .2 The fuel storage area should be provided with arrangements whereby a fuel spillage may be collected and drained to a safe location.

  • .3 Tanks and associated equipment should be protected against physical damage and from a fire in an adjacent space or area.

  • .4 Where portable fuel storage tanks are used, special attention should be given to:

    • .1 design of the tank for its intended purpose;

    • .2 mounting and securing arrangements;

    • .3 electrical bonding; and

    • .4 inspection procedures.

  • .5 Storage tank fuel outlet valves should be provided with means which permit closure in the event of a fire.

  • .6 The fuel pumping unit should be connected to one tank at a time and the piping between the tank and the pumping unit should be of steel or equivalent material, as short as possible and protected against damage.

  • .7 Fire-extinguishing arrangements for protection of the designated area should be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  9.11.5

  • .1 Electrical fuel pumping units and associated control equipment should be of a type suitable for the location and potential hazard.

  • .2 Fuel pumping units should incorporate a device which will prevent over-pressurization of the delivery or filling hose.

  • .3 The procedures and precautions during refuelling operations should be in accordance with good recognized practice.

  • .4 Attention should be paid to the electrical bonding of all equipment used in refuelling operations.

  • .5 "NO SMOKING" signs should be displayed at appropriate locations.

Parent topic: Chapter 9 – Fire Safety
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