solas interpretations - DNV Exchange

DNV Statutory Interpretations, June 2011
Page 24 – SOLAS Ch. II-2: Construction – Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction, FSS Code
— transportable extinguishers (every 5th year).
The service supplier shall be approved according to Rules Pt.1 Ch.1 Sec.1, D200.
1.1.3.4 The foam concentrates of the following systems shall be tested at a service supplier / test laboratory
(typically after 3 years and then annually):
— deck foam system (tankers)
— high expansion and inside air foam systems (protecting engine rooms, enclosed cargos spaces, etc.)
— Additives in water mist systems
— Other systems, for instance foam system for protection of helidecks.
Special requirements apply to protein based, alcohol-resistant foam on chemical tankers, see 1.5.1.3 and Rules
Pt.7 Ch.1 Sec.2, C200.
1.2 General Requirements
1.2.1 All systems
1.2.1.1 The necessary and required operation instructions, marking of main and essential components and
warning signs (for instance gas release) shall be in good and readable condition and available in a relevant
language.
1.2.2 Gas systems
1.2.2.1 The agent cylinders or tanks shall be refilled if the losses for any CO 2 high pressure cylinder exceed
10%. For low pressure CO 2 tanks, Halon cylinders or tanks and other gases the cylinder or tanks shall be
refilled if the losses exceed 5%.
1.2.2.2 Section valves (the term “control valves” is also used by IMO) of fixed gas fire-fighting systems shall
be internally inspected (MSC/Circ.850, 8.2).
1.2.3 Foam concentrates
1.2.3.1 These requirements address foam concentrates used in any system, including those used for fixed fire
fighting in engine room or cargo deck and portable equipment.
1.2.3.2 The content of the foam tank shall in general never be below the defined minimum level as determined
in the approved documentation. It is recommended that this minimum level is indicated on the tank.
1.2.3.3 The requirement for periodic testing of foam concentrates will in general apply to concentrates stored
on tanks provided for fixed fire fighting systems.
Foam in sealed transport containers (for topping up of storage tank or use with portable foam applicators) can
normally be accepted without periodic testing if not more than 10 years old.
Protein based foam concentrate containers shall though be checked on a spot basis if more than 5 years old and
testing or renewal to be required if the condition is not satisfactory. The same applies to non-sealed containers
and containers where production data can not be documented.
1.2.3.4 Topping up of foam tanks shall only be done with a foam concentrate being identical to that already
stored on the tank (same brand and type). If this is not possible a foam concentrate recommended by the maker
of the original foam and case by case approved by the Society may be used.
1.2.3.5 If the foam concentrate is replaced by a new type the following shall be verified:
— the tank shall be emptied and clean properly before refilled with the new foam concentrate
— the foam concentrate shall have the same mixing ration (for instance 1%, 3% or 6%)
— the foam concentrate shall have equivalent approvals (approved as regular, alcohol resistant or multipurpose
foam concentrate, as applicable)
— the new foam concentrate shall have similar viscosity as the previous foam (otherwise new foam pumps
may be needed and foam mixing unit may need adjusted and verified)
— only foam concentrate approved according to MSC.1/Circ.1312 shall be used for tanks refilled after 1st July
2012.
If it is not possible to comply with the requirements the owner shall submit documentation for a case by case
approval by the Society.
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