1. Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.601 – Fire Protection in Machinery Spaces – (Adopted on 29 January 1993) - Annex 2 - No. 18 (1987) - Fire Prevention in Machinery Spaces of Ships in Service - Guidance to Owners - 1. Introduction

1. Introduction

  1.1 Based on past experience it is known that the combination of combustible materials and sources of ignition are the main cause of machinery space fires. The combustible material involved is in the majority of cases oil, i.e. fuel oil, lubricating oil, thermal oil or hydraulic oil. However, plastic materials in electrical installations may also be combustible material causing outbreak of fires.

  1.2 There is a large variety of potential ignition sources and the most common are hot surfaces, e.g. exhaust pipes and steam pipes, over-heating of machinery or ignition from electrical installations due to short circuiting or sparks caused by operation of switchgear. Other frequent ignition sources are those associated with human activities, e.g. smoking, welding and grinding.

  1.3 The experiences of classification societies confirm the importance of machinery space fire prevention and the reports of survey - class surveys as well as Safety Equipment Surveys - contain frequent references to lack of maintenance of fire safety of machinery spaces.

  1.4 Where there is any doubt in applying this Guideline, clarification should be obtained from the individual classification society. Attention is directed to the separate published Rules of each. This Guideline is not meant as a substitute for the society's Rules or the independent judgement and experience of Owners and Surveyors.

Parent topic: Annex 2 - No. 18 (1987) - Fire Prevention in Machinery Spaces of Ships in Service - Guidance to Owners
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