Navigation (Fire Appliances) Regulations

STATUTORY RULES.

1959. No. 50.

View image in the official sourceREGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVIGATION ACT 1912-1956.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1956.

Dated this twenty-sixth

day of June , 1959.

W. J. Slim

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

View image in the official source

Minister of State for Shipping and Transport

View image in the official sourceNAVIGATION (FIRE APPLIANCES) REGULATIONS.

Part I.—Preliminary.

Citation.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Navigation (Fire Appliances) Regulations.

Parts.

2. These Regulations are divided into Parts, as follows:—

Part I.—Preliminary (Regulations 1-5).

Part II.—Class I. Ships (Regulations 6-22).

Part III.—Class II. Ships (Regulations 23-38).

Part IV.—Class III. Ships (Regulations 39-41).

Part V.—Class IV. Ships (Regulations 42-44).

Part VI.—General (Regulations 45-71).

Repeal and special provision for certain ships not furnished in accordance with Regulations.

3.—(1.) The Navigation (Fire Appliances) Regulations (being Statutory Rules 1935, No. 88) and the Navigation (Additional Fire Appliances and Air-raid Precautions) Regulations (comprising Statutory Rules 1942, No. 364; 1943, No. 161; and 1946, No. 42) are repealed.

(2.) Where—

(a) a certificate of survey or a certificate of equipment is in force in respect of a ship immediately before the date of commencement of these Regulations; and

View image in the official source(b) at any time on or after that date, and before the expiration of that certificate, the ship is not furnished with fire appliances in accordance with these Regulations but is furnished with fire appliances in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations repealed by the last preceding sub-regulation,

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 26 June, 1959.

7067/58..—Price 1s. 6/28.5.1959.

the ship shall, at that time, be deemed to be furnished with fire appliances in accordance with these Regulations.

Interpretation.

4.—(1.) In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“approved” means approved by the Director;

“Class I. ship” means a passenger steamship, other than a Class IV. ship;

“Class II. ship” means a cargo steamship, other than a Class IV. ship;

“Class III. ship” means a sailing ship;

“Class IV. ship” means a steamship engaged in trading only on the River Murray and its tributaries;

“crew space” means accommodation as defined in section 138b of the Act provided for the crew of a ship, not being accommodation which is also used by or provided for the use of passengers;

“length”, in relation to a ship, means the registered length of the ship;

“passenger space” means space provided for the use of the passengers, or the passengers and crew, of a ship;

“portable fire extinguisher” means a fire extinguisher that—

(a) in the case of a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher—has a capacity of not more than fifteen pounds of carbon dioxide; or

(b) in the case of a fire extinguisher containing liquid—has a capacity of not more than three gallons of liquid;

“ship” means a ship that is a Class I. ship, a Class II. ship, a Class III. ship or a Class IV. ship;

“tanker” means a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of an inflammable nature;

“the Act” means the Navigation Act 1912-1956.

(2.) Where a word or phrase used in these Regulations is defined in section 187a of the Act, that word or phrase as so used shall, unless the contrary intention appears, have the meaning given to it in that section.

(3.) In these Regulations—

(a) a reference to the tonnage of a ship shall be read as a reference to the gross registered tonnage of the ship; and

(b) a reference to a Schedule by number shall be read as a reference to the Schedule so numbered to these Regulations.

Application.

5. These Regulations do not apply to or in relation to a ship—

(a) that is not—

(i) registered in Australia;

(ii) engaged in the coasting trade; or

(iii) at a port in Australia; or

(b) that is a Safety Convention ship (not being a ship registered in Australia)—

(i) in respect of which there is in force a valid Safety Convention certificate; and

(ii) which complies with the requirements of the Safety Convention.

Part II.—Class I. Ships.

Fire patrol to be maintained.

6. The master of a Class I. ship shall cause a fire patrol system to be maintained in the ship sufficient to enable any outbreak of fire to be detected promptly.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Reports by fire patrol.

7. The master shall cause instructions to be issued to each person carrying out a fire patrol during the period between sunset and sunrise to report, not less than once in each period of two hours during the patrol, to the officer on watch.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Fire alarm and fire detection system.

8.—(1.) A Class I. ship shall be furnished with manual fire alarms fitted throughout the passenger space and crew space in the ship for the purpose of enabling a member of a fire patrol or any other person to give an alarm, immediately on the detection of fire, to the bridge or fire control station.

(2.) A Class I. ship shall be furnished with a fire alarm and fire detection system capable of—

(a) detecting the presence of fire in a part of the ship that is inaccessible to members of a fire patrol; and

(b) indicating promptly to the master and crew of the ship, by means of a signal or signals given at one or more points on the ship, the presence and position of the fire.

Appliances to direct jets of water.

9. A Class I. ship shall be furnished with appliances whereby not less than two powerful jets of water can be rapidly and simultaneously directed—

(a) upon any part of the passenger space or crew space when all watertight doors, and all doors in the main fire-resisting bulkheads, are closed;

(b) into any cargo space or store room; or

(c) upon any part of the coal-bunker spaces, if any, or the machinery spaces.

Fire pumps.

10.—(1.) A Class I. ship of 4,000 tons or over shall be furnished with not less than three fire pumps operated by power.

(2.) A Class I. ship of under 4,000 tons shall be furnished with not less than two fire pumps operated by power.

(3.) In a Class I. ship that is fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal-combustion propelling machinery, the fire pumps furnished in accordance with this regulation, their sea connexions and their sources of power shall be so arranged that all of those pumps cannot be put out of action by a fire in any one compartment in the ship.

Water pipes.

11—(1.) A Class I. ship shall be furnished with water pipes of approved materials.

(2.) The diameter of each water pipe so furnished shall be sufficient, in the opinion of a surveyor, to enable a supply of water to be provided that is adequate for the simultaneous operation of two fire hoses each projecting a powerful jet of water.

Fire hydrants.

12. A Class I. ship shall be furnished with—

(a) at least one fire hydrant on the port side of the machinery spaces;

(b) at least one fire hydrant on the starboard side of the machinery spaces; and

(c) additional fire hydrants so placed that, by their means and by means of the fire hydrants furnished in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, not less than two powerful jets of water may be directed into any part of the ship, each jet being supplied by a separate hydrant through a separate fire hose.

Fire hoses.

13.—(1.) A Class I. ship shall be furnished with not less than one fire hose for each fire hydrant.

(2.) Each fire hose furnished for a fire hydrant in the machinery spaces shall have a nozzle suitable for spraying water on oil.

Portable liquid fire extinguishers.

14.—(1.) A Class I. ship shall be furnished with not less than two portable fire extinguishers containing liquid in each passenger space and each crew space that is enclosed when all watertight doors, and all doors in the main fire-resisting bulkheads, are closed.

(2.) Where passengers in a Class I. ship are carried in a space above the bulkhead deck that is enclosed when all watertight doors, and all doors in the main fire-resisting bulkheads, are closed, the ship shall, in addition to the extinguishers required to be furnished by the last preceding sub-regulation, be furnished with not less than one portable fire extinguisher containing liquid on each side of the ship in that space.

Firemen’s outfits.

15. A Class I. ship shall be furnished with not less than two firemen’s outfits.

Portable drilling machine.

16. A Class I. ship on which a supply of electrical energy is available shall be furnished with a portable electric drilling machine for an emergency means of access to fires through decks, casings or bulkheads.

Fire-smothering gas in cargo spaces and store rooms, &c.

17.—(1.) Subject to this regulation, a Class I. ship of 1,000 tons or over shall be furnished with appliances by means of which fire-smothering gas can be readily conveyed by a permanent piping system into any cargo space or store room in the ship.

(2.) The appliances shall be capable of supplying and conveying a minimum volume of free gas equal to thirty per centum of the gross volume of the largest hold in the ship that is capable of being effectively closed.

(3.) Where there are available in a ship boilers capable of evaporating one pound of steam per hour for each twelve cubic feet of the gross volume of the largest hold in the ship, the ship may, in lieu of the appliances required to be furnished by sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation, be furnished with appliances by means of which steam may be conveyed by a permanent piping system from the boilers into any cargo space or store room in the ship.

Fire appliances for machinery spaces in ships with oil-fired boilers.

18. A Class I. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall—

(a) be furnished in each firing space with a receptacle (provided with a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle) containing not less than ten cubic feet of sand or sawdust impregnated with soda or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires; and

(b) be furnished in each firing space, and in each compartment containing any part of the oil-fuel installation, with not less than two portable fire extinguishers capable of discharging froth or, in lieu of froth, any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires.

Froth fire-extinguishing installations for ships with oil-fired boilers.

19.—(1.) A Class I. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be furnished with a froth fire-extinguishing installation—

(a) that is capable of rapidly discharging and distributing froth over each boiler room and over the spaces containing the oil-fuel installation; and

(b) if the fire-extinguishing installation is of the gravity type or the continuous-generator type—that complies with the requirements for the type specified in the First Schedule.

(2.) a froth fire-extinguishing installation shall be capable of being controlled from a readily accessible position that is not likely to be. cut off in the event of fire.

(3.) The froth available for discharge from a froth fire-extinguishing installation shall be sufficient in quantity to cover to a depth of six inches the largest single area over which oil fuel may be spread in the event of leakage.

(4.) Where the engine room and boiler room are not separated from each other by a bulkhead and fuel oil may drain from the boiler room into the engine room bilges, the engine room and boiler room shall, for the purpose of the last preceding sub-regulation, be regarded as a single area.

(5.) The Minister may exempt a ship from the requirements of this regulation if he is satisfied that the boiler room and the spaces containing the oil-fuel installation are adequately protected by a permanent piping system for the discharge of fire-smothering gas or water at high pressure.

Fire extinguishers for ships with oil-fired boilers.

20.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, a Class I. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be furnished with—

(a) where there is one boiler room in the ship—one prescribed fire extinguisher; or

(b) in any other case—two prescribed fire extinguishers.

(2.) In the last preceding sub-regulation, “prescribed fire extinguisher” means—

(a) a froth fire extinguisher of not less than thirty gallons capacity; or

(b) a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than one hundred pounds capacity.

(3.) For each fire extinguisher provided in accordance with this regulation, a reel of hose shall be furnished capable of reaching every part of the boiler room and of the spaces containing the oil-fuel installation.

Fire extinguishers for motor ships.

21.—(1.) Subject to this regulation, a Class I. ship propelled by internal-combustion machinery shall be furnished in the machinery spaces with—

(a) not less than two froth portable fire extinguishers or, if the brake horsepower of the internal-combustion machinery is more than two thousand, not less than one froth portable fire extinguisher for each thousand, or fraction of a thousand, brake horsepower of the machinery; and

(b) not less than—

(i) one froth fire extinguisher of not less than thirty gallons capacity or one carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than one hundred pounds capacity; or

(ii) if the ship is furnished with fire extinguishers as required by the last preceding regulation, one froth fire extinguisher of not less than ten gallons capacity or one carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than thirty-five pounds capacity.

Additional fire appliances.

22. A Class I. ship in which oil and coal are used’ simultaneously as fuel for the main or auxiliary boilers shall, in addition to the fire appliances furnished in accordance with the other provisions of this Part, be furnished with such fire appliances as the Minister may determine in respect of the ship.

part III.—Class II. Ships.

Appliances to direct jets of water.

23.—(1.) A Class II. ship of one thousand tons or over shall be furnished with appliances whereby not less than two powerful jets of water can be rapidly and simultaneously directed upon any part of the ship.

(2.) A Class II. ship of under one thousand tons shall be furnished with appliances whereby at least one powerful jet of water can be rapidly directed upon any part of the ship.

Fire pumps.

24.—(1.) A Class II. ship shall be furnished with not less than two fire pumps operated by power.

(2.) Where a Class II. ship is fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal-combustion propelling machinery and a fire in any one compartment in the ship might put out of action every fire pump furnished in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation, alternative means for extinguishing fire in the ship shall be furnished.

(3.) Where fire-smothering gas is furnished for the purpose of giving effect to the last preceding sub-regulation, that gas shall be furnished in addition to, and not in lieu of, any gas furnished in connexion with the appliances referred to in regulation 32 of these Regulations.

Water pipes.

25.—(1.) a Class II. ship shall be furnished with water pipes of approved materials.

(2.) The diameter of each water pipe shall be sufficient, in the opinion of a surveyor, to enable a supply of water to be provided that is adequate—

(a) in the case of a ship of one thousand tons or over—for the simultaneous operation of two fire hoses each projecting a powerful jet of water; or

(b) in any other case—for the operation of one fire hose projecting a powerful jet of water.

Fire hydrants.

26.—(1.) A Class II. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or propelled by internal-combustion machinery shall be furnished with fire hydrants as if the ship were a Class I. ship.

(2.) A Class II. ship, other than a ship referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation, shall be furnished with fire hydrants so placed that, by their means, not less than two powerful jets of water may be directed into any part of the ship, each jet being supplied by a separate hydrant through a separate fire hose.

Fire hoses.

27.—(1.) A Class II. ship shall be furnished with—

(a) in the case of a ship of one thousand tons or over—

(i) not less than two fire hoses, including any fire hose furnished in accordance with the next succeeding sub-regulation; and

(ii) at least one spare fire hose thirty feet or more in length; or

(b) in any other case—

(i) at least one fire hose, including any fire hose furnished in accordance with the next succeeding sub-regulation; and

(ii) at least one spare fire hose thirty feet or more in length.

(2.) A Class II. ship shall be furnished with at least one fire hose for each fire hydrant furnished in the machinery spaces in accordance with sub-regulation (1.) of the last preceding regulation.

Portable liquid fire extinguishers.

(3.) Each fire hose furnished in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall have a nozzle suitable for spraying water on oil.

28.—(1.) A Class II. ship shall be furnished with sufficient portable fire extinguishers containing liquid to ensure that such an extinguisher will be readily available for use in each compartment of the crew space and passenger space, if any.

(2.) The number of fire extinguishers furnished in respect of a ship in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall be not less than—

(a) in the case of a ship of a thousand tons or over—five; or

(b) in any other case—three.

Fire buckets.

29. A Class II. ship of under five hundred tons shall be furnished with not less than four fire buckets.

Firemen’s outfits.

30.—(1.) A Class II. ship of four thousand tons or over shall be furnished with not less than two firemen’s outfits.

(2.) A Class II. ship of under four thousand tons but not under five hundred tons shall be furnished with not less than one fireman’s outfit.

Portable drilling machine.

31. A Class II. ship, other than a tanker, on which a supply of electrical energy is available shall be furnished with a portable electric drilling machine for an emergency means of access to fires through decks, casings or bulkheads.

Appliances for conveying fire-smothering gas into cargo spaces.

32.—(1.) Subject to this regulation, a Class II. ship of over two thousand tons shall be furnished with appliances by means of which fire-smothering gas can be readily conveyed by a permanent piping system into any compartment appropriated for the carriage of cargo.

(2.) The appliances shall be capable of supplying and conveying a minimum volume of free gas equal to thirty per centum of the gross volume of the largest hold in the ship that is capable of being effectively closed.

(3.) Where there are available in a ship boilers capable of evaporating one pound’ of steam per hour for each twelve cubic feet of the gross volume of the largest hold in the ship, the ship may, in lieu of the appliances required to be furnished by sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation, be furnished with appliances by means of which steam may be conveyed by a permanent piping system from the boilers into any compartment appropriated for the carriage of cargo.

(4.) Where a ship is a tanker, the ship may, in lieu of the appliances required to be furnished by sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation, be furnished with a froth fire-extinguishing installation of the gravity type or the continuous-generator type that complies with the requirements for the type specified in the First Schedule.

(5.) The Minister may exempt a ship, other than a tanker, from the requirements of this regulation if he is satisfied that—

(a) the holds in the ship are provided with steel hatch covers and effective means for closing all ventilators and other openings leading to the holds;

(b) the ship is constructed for, and employed solely in, the carriage of ore or coal; or

(c) it is unreasonable, having regard to the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged, to require compliance with those requirements.

Fire appliances for machinery spaces in ships with oil-fired boilers.

33. A Class II. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be furnished with the appliances referred to in regulation 18 of these Regulations as if the ship were a Class I. ship.

Froth fire-extinguishing installations for ships with oil-fired boilers.

34.—(1.) A Class II. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be furnished with a froth fire-extinguishing installation as if the ship were a Class I. ship.

(2.) The Minister may exempt a ship from the requirements of this regulation if he is satisfied that the boiler room and the spaces containing the oil-fuel installation are adequately protected by—

(a) a permanent piping system for the discharge of fire-smothering gas, steam or water at high pressure; and

(b) where the system discharges steam and the ship is fitted only with water-tube boilers—

(i) at least one froth fire extinguisher of not less than thirty gallons capacity; or

(ii) at least one carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than one hundred pounds capacity.

Fire extinguishers for ships with oil-fired boilers,

35.—(1.) A Class II. ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be furnished in each boiler room with—

(a) where the number of burners in the room is five or more—

(i) at least one portable fire extinguisher containing liquid of not less than ten gallons capacity that is capable of discharging froth or, in lieu of froth, any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires; or

(ii) at least one carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than thirty-five pounds capacity; or

(b) in any other case—at least one froth fire extinguisher of not less than two gallons capacity for each burner in the room.

(2.) Where a Class II. ship fitted with an auxiliary oil-fired boiler is propelled by internal-combustion machinery, the ship shall, in addition to the fire extinguishers furnished in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation, be furnished with—

(a) at least one froth fire extinguisher of not less than ten gallons capacity; or

(b) at least one carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than thirty-five pounds capacity.

Portable fire extinguishers on motor ships.

36.—(1.) A Class II. ship propelled by internal-combustion machinery shall be furnished in the machinery spaces with not less than—

(a) one portable fire extinguisher for each thousand, or fraction of a thousand, brake horse power of the main engines of the ship and, in addition, one other portable fire extinguisher; or

(b) six portable fire extinguishers,

whichever is the less.

(2.) A portable fire extinguisher furnished in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall be capable of discharging froth or, in lieu of froth, any other substance for quenching oil fires.

Froth fire extinguishers on motor ships.

37.—(1.) A Class II. ship of one thousand tons or over propelled by internal-combustion machinery shall be furnished in the machinery spaces with not less than two prescribed fire extinguishers.

(2.) A Class II. ship of under one thousand tons propelled by internal-combustion machinery shall be furnished in the machinery spaces with at least one prescribed fire extinguisher.

(3.) In this regulation, “prescribed fire extinguisher” means—

(a) a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher of not less than thirty-five pounds capacity; or

(b) a froth fire extinguisher of not less than ten gallons capacity.

Additional fire appliances.

38. A Class II. ship in which oil and coal are used simultaneously as fuel for the main or auxiliary boilers shall, in addition to the fire appliances furnished in accordance with the other provisions of this Part, be furnished with such fire appliances as the Minister may determine in respect of the ship.

Part IV.—Class III. Ships.

Fire pumps, fire hoses, fire extinguishers and fire buckets.

39. A Class III. ship shall be furnished with—

(a) at least one fire pump and one fire hose by means of which a powerful jet of water can be rapidly directed upon any part of the ship;

(b) a number of portable fire extinguishers sufficient to ensure that one is available for immediate use in each compartment of the crew space or passenger space, if any; and

(c) not less than four fire buckets.

Fire appliances for machinery spaces.

40.—(1.) A Class III. ship that is equipped with internal-combustion machinery consuming oil of a flash point of not less than one hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit shall be furnished in the machinery spaces with—

(a) a receptacle containing not less than five cubic feet of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires;

(b) a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle;

(c) not less than two portable fire extinguishers capable of discharging froth or, in lieu of froth, any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires; and

(d) at least one nozzle suitable for spraying water on oil kept in a readily accessible position near to, but outside, the machinery space.

(2.) A nozzle furnished in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall be capable of being attached to a fire hose furnished in accordance with the last preceding regulation.

Additional fire appliances.

41. A Class III. ship that—

(a) is equipped with internal-combustion auxiliary machinery consuming oil of a flash point of less than one hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit; or

(b) is constructed of Wood, shall, in addition to the fire appliances furnished in accordance with the other provisions of this Part, be furnished with such fire appliances as the Minister may determine in respect of the ship.

Part V.—Class IV. Ships.

Fire pumps, fire hoses, fire buckets and fire extinguishers.

42.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, a Class IV. ship shall be furnished with—

(a) at least one fire pump;

(b) at least one hose in one or more lengths, to the satisfaction of a surveyor, fitted with a nozzle whereby a powerful jet of water may be rapidly directed upon any part of the ship;

(c) not less than four fire buckets;

(d) at least one portable fire extinguisher containing liquid of not less than two gallons capacity placed in the machinery spaces; and

(e) in the case of a ship that, by its certificate of survey, is certified to carry passengers—at least one portable fire extinguisher, for use on deck or in the passenger space, for each one hundred persons that the ship is so certified to carry.

(2.) A Class IV. ship that does not carry passengers, or, if it does carry passengers, does not carry more than twelve passengers, is not required under the last preceding sub-regulation to be furnished with a fire pump if the ship is furnished with not less than six fire buckets, including the fire buckets with which it is required to be furnished under that sub-regulation.

Fire appliances for motor ships.

43.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, a Class IV. ship that is equipped with internal-combustion machinery consuming oil of a flash point of not less than one hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit shall be furnished in the engine room with—

(a) a receptacle containing a quantity of sand or other dry material approved by a surveyor as being suitable for quenching oil fires;

(b) a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle;

(c) at least one carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher; and

(d) not less than two froth fire extinguishers of a capacity of not less than two gallons.

(2.) A ship that is less than thirty feet in length is not required under the last preceding sub-regulation to be furnished with more than one froth fire extinguisher.

Additional fire appliances.

44. A Class IV. ship that is equipped with internal-combustion machinery consuming oil of a flash point of less than one hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit shall, in addition to the fire appliances furnished in accordance with the other provisions of this Part, be furnished with such fire appliances as the Minister may determine in respect of the ship.

Part VI.—General.

Power pumps.

45.—(1.) A fire pump furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations that is operated by power shall—

(a) be operated by means other than the ship’s main engines;

(b) be capable of producing a throw of at least forty feet at every nozzle, other than a spray nozzle, when used with any of the fire hoses and nozzzles furnished in accordance with these Regulations; and

(c) be provided with relief valves, wherever necessary, so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the water pipes served by the pump.

(2.) The total pumping capacity of the pumps furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be not less than two-thirds of the total pumping capacity of the bilge pumps in the ship.

Fire pumps not to be used for pumping oil.

46. The master of a ship furnished with a fire pump in accordance with these Regulations shall not use, or permit the use of, the pump for pumping oil.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Arrangement of water pipes and hydrants.

47.—(1.) Water pipes and fire hydrants furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be so placed that fire hoses may be readily coupled to them.

(2.) In a ship which may carry deck cargo—

(a) the fire hydrants shall be so placed that access to them will not be hindered by the deck cargo; and

(b) the water pipes shall be protected from damage by the deck cargo.

(3.) Where fire pumps are situated in more than one compartment in a ship, the water pipes within each compartment containing a fire pump shall be capable of being readily isolated from the remainder of the water-pipe system either automatically or by means manually operated from outside the compartment.

Water pipes to be fitted with cocks or valves.

48. Water pipes furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be fitted with cocks or valves so arranged that fire hoses coupled to the water pipes may be removed while the fire pumps are in operation.

Construction of water pipes.

49. A water pipe furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations—

(a) shall not be constructed of cast iron; and

(b) if constructed of iron or steel, shall be galvanised.

Fire hosts, nozzles, &c.

50.—(1.) A fire hose furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations—

(a) shall be made of leather, seamless hemp, closely woven flax, canvas or other approved material;

(b) shall be provided with—

(i) couplings, conductors and other necessary fittings; and

(ii) a plain nozzle of not less than one-half inch diameter, in addition to any spray nozzle; and

(c) shall not exceed sixty feet in length.

Duties of master in relation to fire hoses, &c.

51.—(1.) The master of a ship shall cause each fire hose furnished in the ship in accordance with these Regulations, together with the tools and fittings necessary for its use, to be kept in a conspicuous position near the water hydrant or connexion with which it is intended to be used.

(2.) The master of a ship furnished with a fire hose in accordance with these Regulations shall not use, or permit the use of, the hose for any purpose other than extinguishing fire, testing fire appliances or fire drill.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Fire buckets.

52.—(1.) A fire bucket furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall—

(a) be painted red; and

(b) be clearly and permanently marked with the word “FIRE”.

(2.) Not less than one-half of the fire buckets furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be fitted with lanyards of sufficient length to enable the buckets to be filled from the sea.

Master to cause fire buckets to be kept filled, &c.

53. The master of a ship furnished with a fire bucket in accordance with these Regulations shall cause the bucket to be kept filled with water and shall not use, or permit the use of, the fire bucket for any purpose other than extinguishing fire, testing fire appliances or fire drill.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Firemen’s outfits.

54. A fireman’s outfit furnished in accordance with these Regulations shall—

(a) consist of—

(i) a safety lamp of an approved type operated by an electric battery and capable of burning for at least three hours;

(ii) a fireman’s axe; and

(iii) a breathing apparatus, a smoke helmet or a smoke mask of an approved type;

(b) be available for immediate use; and

(c) be stowed under protection from the weather in a place as far away as practicable from a place where another fireman’s

Breathing apparatus.

55.—(1.) A breathing apparatus shall be self-contained.

(2.) Means shall be provided for warning the wearer of a breathing apparatus when any reacting chemicals forming part of the apparatus are about to be exhausted.

Smoke helmets and smoke masks.

56.—(1.) A smoke helmet or a smoke mask shall be provided with a: hose for the supply of air from the outside atmosphere.

(2.) The hose shall be of a non-collapsing type and shall be sufficient in length to enable the inlet end to be on deck or elsewhere in clean air while the wearer of the helmet or mask is in any part of the cargo space, crew space or passenger space, if any.

(3.) If the hose is more than ninety feet in length, a pump or bellows suitable for pumping air through the hose shall be provided.

(4.) Efficient couplings shall be provided if two or more lengths of hose are joined,

(5.) The inlet end of the hose shall be capable of being secured in position and shall be so protected that the supply of air cannot be obstructed.

Gear to be provided for use with breathing apparatus, &c.

57.—(1.) There shall be provided in a ship for use with a breathing apparatus, smoke helmet or smoke mask—

(a) a life-and-signalling-line at least ten feet longer than is required to reach from the deck of the ship or elsewhere in clean air to any part of the cargo space, crew space or passenger space, if any;

(b) an adjustable safety belt or harness to which the line shall be securely attached; and

(c) means for protecting the eyes and face of the wearer against smoke.

(2.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, a line provided in a ship in accordance with paragraph (a) of the last preceding sub-regulation shall be made of hemp-covered wire rope not less than one and one-quarter inches in circumference that incorporates a wire that—

(a) is made of copper or galvanized steel; and

(b) has a breaking strength of not less than one ton.

(3.) A line provided in a tanker in accordance with paragraph (a) of pub-regulation (1.) of this regulation may be made of rope made without wire, being rope that has a breaking strength of not less than one ton.

Breathing apparatus, &c., to be marked with maker’s name and operating instructions.

58.—(1.) A breathing apparatus, smoke helmet or smoke mask shall be clearly and permanently marked with the name of the maker or vendor and the year in which it was manufactured.

(2.) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to a breathing apparatus, smoke helmet or smoke mask.

Construction of fire extinguishers.

59.—(1.) A froth fire extinguisher, not being a portable fire extinguisher, furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be of an approved design and constructed in accordance with the Second Schedule.

(2.) A carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be of an approved design and constructed in accordance with the Third Schedule.

(3.). A carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher, being a portable fire extinguisher, furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be of an approved design and constructed in accordance with the Fourth Schedule.

(4.) A portable fire extinguisher, not being a carbon-dioxide or carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher, furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be of an approved design and constructed in accordance with the Fifth Schedule.

Capacity of fire extinguishers.

60.—(1.) For the purposes of these Regulations, the capacity of a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be deemed to be the greatest weight of carbon dioxide that the extinguisher can contain in a tropical climate without danger of exploding.

(2.) For the purposes of these Regulations, the capacity of a fire extinguisher containing a liquid furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be deemed to be the greatest volume of liquid that the extinguisher can contain when sufficient air space is left to ensure the proper operation of the extinguisher.

Spare charges for fire extinguishers.

61. A spare charge shall be furnished for each portable fire extinguisher furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations.

Fire extinguishers in passenger and crew spaces.

62.—(1.) The portable fire extinguishers furnished in the passenger spaces and the crew spaces in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall not consist of more than two types.

(2.) A fire extinguisher, in which the substance for extinguishing fire is stored under pressure, shall not be furnished in a passenger space or crew space in a ship.

Testing of fire extinguishers.

63. The master of a ship shall, not less than once in each period of four years, cause all portable fire extinguishers and all self-contained froth fire extinguishers that are not portable fire extinguishers to be discharged and tested by hydraulic pressure, in the presence of a surveyor, to three hundred pounds per square inch, and marked with the date of test and test pressure applied.

Penalty: Fifty pounds,

Control of piping system.

64.—(1.) A piping system for conveying fire-smothering gas or steam furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall be capable of being controlled by valves or cocks which can be locked and are readily accessible from the deck.

(2.) Each valve or cock shall be clearly and permanently marked to indicate the compartments that it serves.

(3.) If a pipe is led to a compartment to which passengers have access, an additional valve or cock that can be locked shall be fitted.

Arrangement of piping system.

65.—(1.) A piping system furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations shall—

(a) be of a permanent character; and

(b) be so arranged as to be capable of effectively distributing the fire-smothering gas or steam in each space to be protected.

(2.) Where necessary to provide effective distribution in a cargo space, not less than two pipes shall be furnished, one in the forward part of the space and the other in the after part of the space.

(3.) Except in a tanker, or in a ship used for the conveyance of coal, pipes for conveying steam shall be fitted as low as practicable in the space that they serve.

(4.) In a tanker, the piping system shall be so arranged that the steam or fire-smothering gas will be distributed over the surface of the cargo.

Quantity of carbon-dioxide gas to be available for boiler rooms.

66.—(1.) When liquefied carbon dioxide is furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations for the purpose of providing a fire smothering gas to be discharged into the boiler rooms by a piping system, the quantity of gas available from the carbon dioxide shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to thirty per centum of the gross volume of the largest boiler room, measured to the top of the boilers.

(2.) Where an engine room and a boiler room in a ship are not separated by a bulkhead and fuel oil may drain from the boiler room into the engine-room bilges, the engine room and boiler room, for the purposes of the last preceding sub-regulation, shall be regarded as a single space.

Production of gas from liquefied carbon-dioxide.

67. When liquefied carbon dioxide is furnished in a ship in accordance with these Regulations for the purpose of providing a fire-smothering gas for use in the ship, one pound of liquefied carbon dioxide shall, for the purposes of these Regulations, be deemed to be capable of producing nine cubic feet of free gas.

Warning to be given.

68.—(1.) Means shall be furnished in a ship by means of which warning will be given to a person anywhere within a working space when carbon-dioxide gas is about to be released into that space.

(2.) The means furnished shall be so arranged as to permit a reasonable time for a person in the space to leave the space after the warning has been given and before the release of the gas.

Stopping of fans and closing of openings.

69.—(1.) Readily accessible means shall be furnished in a ship for rapidly stopping all fans and closing openings that might admit air to a space provided with a piping system for the discharge of fire-smothering gas, steam or froth.

Means of escape from machinery space.

(2.) The means for stopping the fans shall be situated outside the space.

70. The machinery space in a ship shall be provided with means of escape so placed that a means of escape would, in the opinion of a surveyor, be available for use no matter where in the space a fire broke out.

Alternative fire appliances.

71. Where the Minister is satisfied that, although a fire appliance furnished in a ship or provision made in a ship for the prevention, detection or extinction of fire is not in accordance with a requirement of these Regulations, the appliance so furnished or the provision so made in the ship is, nevertheless, as effective as the appliance or provision required by these Regulations, the Minister may exempt the ship from the requirement either unconditionally or subject to conditions.

View image in the official sourceView image in the official sourceTHE SCHEDULES.

First Schedule.

Regulation 19 (1.) and 32 (4.).

FROTH FIRE-EXTINGUISHING INSTALLATIONS.

1. A froth fire-extinguishing installation of the gravity type shall be provided with—

(a) containers for the froth-forming solution so placed that a fire in the space to be protected will not interfere with the effective working of the installation;

(b) outlet valves for the containers so arranged that the solution will be released from the containers simultaneously and in proper proportions by the operation of a control wheel or control handle so placed as not to be rendered inaccessible by a fire in the space to be protected; and

(c) means for agitating and sampling the froth-forming solution and for testing the expansion rate of the solution.

2. In a froth fire-extinguishing installation of the continuous-generator type, the froth-forming apparatus, pumps and source of power for the pumps, together with all controlling devices and other accessories necessary for the efficient operation of the installation, shall be so arranged that a fire in the space to be protected will not prevent the efficient working of the installation.

3.—(1.) A froth fire-extinguishing installation of the gravity or continuous-generator type shall be provided with a system of distribution pipes so arranged as to enable the froth to be effectively distributed.

(2.) Provision shall be made to prevent the obstruction of the pipes or their outlets by water or otherwise, and to enable the efficiency of the pipes to be readily tested.

(3.) The pipes shall not be led through any refrigerated space unless they are insulated and provision is made for draining them.

4. Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to a froth fire-extinguishing installation or in a position adjacent to the installation.

Second Schedule.

Regulation 59 (1.).

NON-PORTABLE FROTH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.

1. In this Schedule, “froth fire extinguisher” does not include a portable fire extinguisher.

2. A froth fire extinguisher shall be so designed and constructed that the interior of the extinguisher can be examined.

3. The body of a froth fire extinguisher shall be cylindrical with ends dished outwards, without reverse flanging, to a radius not exceeding the diameter of the body.

4. The body and ends of a froth fire extinguisher shall be made of sheet steel and shall be tinned or lead-coated internally, and every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.

5. The body of a froth fire extinguisher shall be welded or riveted, and all riveted joints shall be soldered.

6.—(1.) The body of a froth fire extinguisher shall be provided with an opening for the introduction of an inner container.

(2.) The opening—

(a) shall be fitted with a screw cap of gun-metal or other suitable material; and

(b) shall be screwed with a continuous thread through the side of which safety holes or slots are provided so that when the cap is being removed any pressure of gas remaining in the container will be released gradually should the discharge opening be choked.

(3.) The cap joint shall be made with acid-resisting rubber, greased leather or other suitable material.

(4.) If the extinguisher is provided with an inner container, the container shall be adequately supported.

7.—(1.) A reinforced discharge hose, together with a nozzle, shall be provided for a froth fire extinguisher.

(2.) The area of the nozzle shall be such that, when the extinguisher is operated, the froth is projected—

(a) in the case of an, extinguisher of thirty gallons capacity or more—for a distance of not less than forty-five feet for a period of not less than one hundred seconds; or

(b) in any other case—for a distance of not less than thirty-five feet for a period of not less than ninety seconds.

8. The charge and the air space above the level of the liquid in the body of a froth fire extinguisher shall be so regulated that the maximum, pressure in the extinguisher when put into action with all outlets closed does not exceed two hundred and eighty pounds per square inch with the liquid at a temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

9. A froth fire extinguisher shall be capable of withstanding for a period of five minutes an internal pressure equal to—

(a) a pressure greater by one-half than the maximum pressure in the extinguisher when put into action with all outlets closed; or

(b) a pressure of three hundred and fifty pounds per square inch, whichever is the greater.

10. The outside of a froth fire extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with—

(a) a mark showing the level of the liquid when the extinguisher is filled to its working capacity; and

(b) a statement setting out—

(i) the name of the maker or vendor of the extinguisher;

(ii) the capacity of the extinguisher;

(iii) the pressure under which the extinguisher was tested;

(iv) instructions for operating the extinguisher; and

(v) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured.

Third Schedule.

Regulation 59 (2.).

carbon-dioxide fire extinguishers.

1.—(1.) A carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher shall be provided with cylinders constructed in accordance with approved standards.

(2.) Each cylinder shall be provided with an internal discharge tube and a valve to release the gas,

2.—(1.) A carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher shall be provided with a discharge hose reinforced so as to withstand a pressure of one thousand eight hundred pounds per square inch when the necessary couplings are fitted.

(2.) The bore of the discharge hose shall be not less than the size specified in the following table in relation to the capacity of the extinguisher:—

(3.) The discharge hose shall be provided with a horn that is insulated and of a design that will reduce the velocity of the gas discharged.

3. At any temperature between fifty degrees Fahrenheit and seventy degrees Fahrenheit inclusive, a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher shall be capable of discharging gas at such a rate that carbon dioxide equal in weight to three-quarters of the capacity of the container will be discharged in the period set forth in the following table in relation to the capacity of the extinguisher:—

4. The outside of a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with a statement setting out-

(a) the name of the vendor of the extinguisher;

(b) instructions for operating the extinguisher;

(c) the weight of the extinguisher when empty and the weight when filled to its working capacity; and

(d) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured.

View image in the official sourceFourth Schedule.

Regulation. 59 (3.).

CARBON-TETRACHLORIDE PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.

1. A portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be of a nominal fluid capacity of one quart.

2. The body of a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be cylindrical and constructed of copper or brass of a thickness not less than No. 22 L.S.G.

3. The internal fittings of a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be made of copper, brass, bronze or lead, and the joint washers shall be made of material that will resist carbon tetrachloride.

4. Provision shall be made by which the carbon tetrachloride in a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher can be sealed off from the atmosphere when the extinguisher is not in use so as to prevent evaporation of the carbon tetrachloride.

5. A portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be provided with a hand pump that is self-contained and double-acting.

6. The plunger packing of a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall consist of material that will resist carbon tetrachloride.

7. A portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be capable of discharging substantially the whole of the carbon tetrachloride that it contains, whatever the position in which it is held, and of projecting that carbon tetrachloride for a distance of twenty feet for a period of one minute.

8. The carbon tetrachloride provided for use with a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be of an approved standard of purity.

9. The outside of a portable carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with—

(a) a statement setting out—

(i) the name of the maker or vendor of the extinguisher;

(ii) the capacity of the extinguisher;

(iii) instructions for operating the extinguisher; and

(iv) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured; and

(b) a notice indicating that, if the extinguisher is used for extinguishing fire in a confined space, dangerous fumes will be given off that should not be inhaled.

View image in the official sourceFifth Schedule.

Regulation 59 (4.).

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (OTHER THAN CARBON-DIOXIDE OR CARBON-TETRACHLORIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS).

1. In this Schedule, “portable fire extinguisher” does not include a carbon-dioxide fire extinguisher or a carbon-tetrachloride fire extinguisher.

2. A portable fire extinguisher shall be of a capacity of not less than two gallons.

3.—(1.) The body of a portable fire extinguisher shall be cylindrical with dished ends or conical with the larger end dished.

(2.) The dishing shall be outwards, without reverse flanging, to a radius not exceeding the diameter of the body.

(3.) If the extinguisher stands vertically, a metal support shall be securely attached to the body.

4. The body and ends of a portable fire extinguisher shall be made of sheet steel or copper and shall be tinned or lead-covered internally, and every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.

5.—(1.) If the body of a portable fire extinguisher is made of sheet steel, it shall be solid-drawn, welded or riveted.

(2.) All rivet holes shall be drilled and all riveted joints shall be soldered.

6.—(1.) If the body of a portable fire extinguisher is made of copper, it shall be solid-drawn or riveted.

(2.) All rivet holes shall be drilled and all riveted joints shall be soldered or brazed.

7.—(1.) The body of a portable fire extinguisher shall be provided with an opening for the introduction of an inner container.

(2.) The opening—

(a) shall not be less than three inches in diameter;

(b) shall be fitted with a gun-metal screw cap the screwed part of which is approximately three-quarters of an inch deep; and

(c) shall be screwed with a continuous thread through the side of which safety holes or slots are provided so that when the cap is being removed any pressure of gas remaining in the container will be released gradually should the discharge opening be choked.

(3.) The cap joint shall be made with acid-resisting rubber, greased leather or other suitable material, and shall not exceed one-eighth of an inch in thickness.

8. Any cage for holding glass bottles that forms part of a portable fire extinguisher shall be removable so as to facilitate the cleaning and inspection of the interior of the extinguisher.

9. A protector fitted to a plunger in a portable fire extinguisher shall be of the open or cage type.

10. The body of a portable fire extinguisher shall be capable of withstanding an internal pressure of three hundred and fifty pounds per square inch for five minutes.

11.—(1.) A portable fire extinguisher containing liquid shall be provided with a device that, when the extinguisher is not in use, will prevent the liquid from rising in the discharge tube in consequence of a rise in the temperature of the atmosphere.

(2.) The discharge tube or opening in a portable fire extinguisher containing liquid shall be fitted with a strainer.

(3.) The internal discharge tubes, if any, of a portable fire extinguisher containing liquid shall be of sufficient length to discharge substantially the whole of the liquid in the extinguisher.

(4.) Cocks or valves shall not be fitted for stopping the discharge of the liquid in a portable fire extinguisher.

12. A portable fire extinguisher containing liquid shall be capable of projecting the liquid for a distance of twenty feet for a period of one minute.

13. A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided with fixed handles that will enable it to be readily transported and used.

14. The discharge tube or opening in a portable fire extinguisher shall be provided with a screwed connexion that will facilitate testing.

15. The charge and the air space above the level of the liquid in the body of a portable fire extinguisher containing liquid shall be so regulated that, if the extinguisher is put into action with all outlets closed, the internal pressure will not exceed two hundred pounds per square inch when the liquid is at a temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

16. The outside of a portable fire extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with—

(a) if the extinguisher contains liquid—a mark showing the level of the liquid when the extinguisher is filled to its working capacity; and

(b) a statement setting out—

(i) the name of the maker or vendor of the extinguisher;

(ii) the capacity of the extinguisher;

(iii) a certificate by the maker that the extinguisher has been tested by hydraulic pressure to three hundred and fifty pounds per square inch;

(iv) instructions for operating the extinguisher; and

(v) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured.

View image in the official sourceBy Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.