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Fire
Prevention Provisions
Fire
Protection Systems and Appliances
Guidelines addressing the maintenance and inspection of fire protection
systems and appliances were approved as MSC/Circ.850. Details of
functional testing of appliances and system components at weekly,
monthly, quarterly and annual intervals is provided. 6.14
Emergency
Escape Arrangements
Guidelines for designing and planning emergency escape arrangements
for passenger ships were approved as MSC/Circ.846. Considering human
element aspects, the Guidelines address location of assembly stations
relative to passenger's probable location on board, operation of
emergency doors and, consideration of the possibility that a component
of the complete means of escape may not be available; e.g., malfunctioning
fire door, the need for flexibility in determining the most efficient
escape routes. 6.6
Emergency
Escape Breathing Devices
Draft SOLAS amendments were approved with the view that they would
become effective for all ships on 2 July 02. When adopted, the amendments
will require at least two Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs)
on all cargo ships and in each main vertical zone of ships carrying
more than 36 passengers. EEBDs are supplied-air or oxygen devices
used in compartments with hazardous atmospheres (CO2) and are not
intended for fighting purposes or for entry into compartments where
an oxygen-deficient atmosphere exists. Guidelines addressing the
location, use and care of EEBDs were also approved as MSC/Circ.849.
6.12
Equivalent Fixed Gas Fire-Fighting Systems
A new Circular, MSC/Circ.848, clarifying the means to determine
the proper amount of extinguishing agent as contained in MSC/Circ.776
was approved. The new Circular recommends that the minimum amount
of extinguishing agent be based on the minimum expected ambient
temperature and the net volume of the space accessible to the free
gas -- i.e., that volume including bilges, machinery, and trunks.
Also, the limited use of carcinogenic concentrations without the
discharge release controls provided for in SOLAS has been clarified.
6.11
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