FSS Code: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Set of treaties organized by the International Maritime Organization}}

{{multiple issues|{{Copy edit|for=Conformity to Wiki article standards. Layout and citations are especially troublesome.|date=April 2015}}{{more footnotes|date=May 2015}}}}

The '''FSS Code''' or '''International Code for Fire Safety Systems''' is a set of [[International treaty|international treaties]] organised by the [[International Maritime Organization]] (IMO) under the [[SOLAS Convention]] that are designed to reduce the risk of fire, and aid in emergency response aboard [[ship]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brief History|url=http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/FireProtection/Pages/History.aspx|website=www.imo.org|accessdate=2 July 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707101946/http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/FireProtection/Pages/History.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some of the components of the code were constructed after some high-profile [[passenger ship]] disasters over the last century.

[[File:MS Scandinavian Star 001.jpg|thumb|[[MS Scandinavian Star]] (after the fire that killed 159 passengers). The disaster led to revisions of the FSS Code]]

==Components==

The FSS Code, also known as the International Code for Fire Safety Systems, is the international code that all ships must follow under [[SOLAS Convention]]. It was established on July 1, 2002, and then later updated in 2007. <ref name=A>''FSS Code: International Code for Fire Safety Systems.'' International Maritime Organization, 2001. PDF File.</ref><ref name=B>{cite web |url=http://www.imo.orgen/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/Maritime-Safety-Committee-(MSC)/Documents/MSC.98(73).pdf |title=RESOLUTION MSC.98(73) (adopted on 5 December 2000) ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS |date=5 December 2000 |website=www.imo.org |format=PDF |archive-url=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imo.org%2Fen%2FKnowledgeCentre%2FIndexofIMOResolutions%2FMaritime-Safety-Committee-%2528MSC%2529%2FDocuments%2FMSC.98%252873%2529.pdf&date=2017-06-08 |archive-date=8 June 2017 |dead-url=no |access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref><ref name=C>{{cite web |url=https://exchange.dnv.com/publishingstatutoryinterpretations/2013-02/StatutoryInterpretations.pdf |title=DNV STATUTORY INTERPRETATIONS |date=February 2013 |website=http://www.dnv.com |publisher=Det Norske Veritas AS |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20150518081959/https://exchange.dnv.com/publishing/statutoryinterpretations/2013-02/StatutoryInterpretations.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |dead-url=yes |access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref>

The FSS Code covers:<ref>{{cite web|title=What is Fire Safety System (FSS) Code on Ships?|url=http://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/what-is-fire-safety-system-fss-code-on-ships/|website=Marine Insight|accessdate=2 July 2017|date=24 February 2011}}</ref>

* International shore connection - specifics on how to connect to shores and ports (to refill, and to fight fires while docked).

==The expectations of this code are as follows.==

* Personal protection - [[Bunker gear|Fire fighting apparel]] and breathing apparatus.

* Extinguishing:

** [[Fire extinguisher|Fire Extinguishers]] - Specification of portables extinguishers

** Fixed gas fire extinguishing systems

** Fixed foam fire extinguishing systems

** Fixed pressure water and water spraying systems

** Auto [[Fire sprinkler system|sprinkler]], fire detection and [[Fire alarm system|fire alarm]] systems

** Fixed Emergency [[Fire pump|fire pumps]]

** Fixed deck foam system

** Inert gas system

* [[Fire detection]] and alarm systems

* Sample extraction smoke detection system

* Low Location Lighting system - for the lower parts of the ship

* Means of Escape

==History==

* International shore connections

{{see also|SOLAS Convention}}

The FSS Code has been through some evolution:<ref>{{cite web|title=History of fire protection requirements|url=http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/FireProtection/Pages/History-of-fire-protection-requirements.aspx|website=www.imo.org|accessdate=2 July 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701183719/http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/FireProtection/Pages/History-of-fire-protection-requirements.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* 1914 and 1929 [[SOLAS Convention]]s after the [[RMS Titanic]] sinking

* [[Personal protective equipment|Personal protection]]

* 1948 and 1960 SOLAS Conventions after the [[SS Morro Castle (1930)|Morro Castle]] sinking in 1934

* International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1 November 1974, that introduced Chapter II-2 (on construction - fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction)

* [[Fire extinguisher]]

* 1981 revision - a rewrite of Chapter II-2

* 1990 [[MS Scandinavian Star]] disaster that led to a revision - ''Amendments to Chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1 November 1974 (Fire Safety Measures for Existing Passenger Ships)'' signed in [[London]] {{dts|10 April 1992}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Amendments to Chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1 November 1974 (Fire Safety Measures for Existing Passenger Ships) (London, 10 April 1992) [1994] ATS 45|url=http://www3.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1994/45.html|website=www3.austlii.edu.au|accessdate=2 July 2017|archive-date=16 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416130004/http://www3.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1994/45.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* [[Gaseous fire suppression|Fixed gas fire extinguishing system]]

* ''International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures'' London, {{dts|5 December 1996}} on laboratory testing of systems.

* ''IMO Resolution MSC.327(90): 2012 Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)'' London, {{dts|25 May 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) IMO Resolution MSC.327(90) (London, 25 May 2012) - [2014] ATS 27|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATS/2014/27.html|website=www.austlii.edu.au|accessdate=2 July 2017}}</ref>

* [[Firefighting foam|Fixed foam fire extinguishing system]]

* ''IMO Resolution MSC.339(91): 2012 Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)'' London, {{dts|30 November 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) IMO Resolution MSC.339(91) (London, 30 November 2012) - [2014] ATS 24|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/ATS/2014/24.html|website=www.austlii.edu.au|accessdate=2 July 2017}}</ref>

* [[Fire sprinkler system|Fixed pressure water spraying and water mist fire extinguishing system]]

* [[Fire sprinkler system|Automatic sprinkler fire detection and fire alarm]]

* [[Fire alarm system|Fixed fire detection and fire alarm system]]

* Low ___location lighting systems

* Fixed emergency fire pumps

* Arrangement of means of escape

* [[Firefighting foam|Fixed deck foam system]]

* [[Condensed aerosol fire suppression|Inert gas systems]]

<ref name=A/><ref name=D>''International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code).'' International Maritime Organization, June 2012. PDF File.</ref>

According to the FSS code book “the purpose of this code is to provide international standards of specific engineering specifications for fire safety of life at sea (SOLAS), 1974 as amended. On or after 1 July 2002, this code will be mandatory for fire safety systems required by the 1974 SOLAS convention, as amended. Any future amendment to the code must be adopted and brought into force in accordance with the procedure laid down in article VII of the Convention.” <ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

In the first part of the code it defines and clearly tells us, what the specifications are for this International connection. The table is taken directly out of the code book.<ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Description !! Dimension

|-

| Outside diameter || 178 mm

|-

| Inside diameter || 64 mm

|-

| Bolt circle diameter || 132 ;mm

|-

| Slots in flange || 4 holes, 19 mm in diameter spaced equidistantly on a bolt circle of the above diameter, slotted to the flange periphery

|-

| Flange thickness || 14.5&nbsp;mm minimum

|-

| Bolts and nuts || 4 each of 16 mm diameter, 50 mm in length

|}

<ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

The materials that these international connections should be made of are as follows.<ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

“international shore connections shall be of steel or other equivalent material ans shall be designed for 1 N/mm2 services. The flange shall have a flat face on one side and, on the other side, it shall be permanently attached to a coupling that will fit the ship together with a gasket of any material suitable for 1N/mm2 services together with four bolts of 16 mm diameter and 50 mm in length, four 16 mm nuts and eight washers.

The next part of this code discusses personnel protection to be carried while on an operational vessel.<ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

This includes

* Personal equipment

* Breathing apparatus

* Lifeline

* Emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD)

* General

<ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

An EEBD is supplied air or oxygen device only used for escape from a compartment that has hazardous atmosphere and shall be of an approved type.

EEBD shall not be used for fighting fires, entering oxygen deficient voids or tanks or warn by firefighters. In these events, a self-contained breathing apparatus, which is specifically suited for such applications, shall be used.

* Face piece means a face covering that is designed to form a complete seal around the eyes, nose and mouth which is secured in position by a suitable means

* Hood means a head covering which completely covers the head, neck and may cover portions of the shoulders.

* Hazardous atmosphere means any atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health

* The EEBD shall have a service duration of at least 10 min.

* The EEBD shall include a hood or full face piece, as appropriate, to protect the eyes, nose and mouth during escape. Hoods and face pieces shall be constructed of flame-resistant materials and include a clear window for viewing

* An inactivated EEBD shall be capable of being carried hands-free.

* An EEBD, when stored, shall be suitably protected from the environment

* Brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating their use shall be clearly printed on the EEBD. The donning procedures shall be quick and easy to allow for situations where there is little time to seek safety from a hazardous atmosphere.

* Markings

Maintenance requirements, manufacturer's trademark and serial number, shelf life with accompanying manufacture date and name of the approving authority shall be printed on each EEBD. All EEBD training units shall be clearly marked. <ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

==Fire Extiguishers==

'''Type approval'''

All fire extinguishers shall be of approved types and designs based on the guidelines developed by the Organization.*

Each powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher shall have a capacity of at least 5&nbsp;kg and each foam extinguisher shall have a capacity of at least 9 /. The mass of all portable fire extinguishers shall not exceed 23&nbsp;kg and they shall have a fire-extinguishing capability at least equivalent to that of a 9 / fluid extinguisher.

The Administration shall determine the equivalents of fire extinguishers.

'''Recharging'''

Only refills approved for the fire extinguisher in question shall be used for recharging.

'''Portable foam applicators'''

A portable foam applicator unit shall consist of a foam nozzle of an inductor type capable of being connected to the fire main by a fire hose, together with a portable tank containing at least 20 / of foam-forming liquid and one spare tank of foam making liquid. The nozzle shall be capable of producing effective foam suitable for extinguishing an oil fire, at the rate of at least 1.5 m3 /min <ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

==Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems==

Where the quantity of the fire-extinguishing medium is required to protect more than one space, the quantity of medium available need not be more than the largest quantity required for any one space so protected.

The volume of starting air receivers, converted to free air volume, shall be added to the gross volume of the machinery space when calculating the necessary quantity of the fire-extinguishing medium. Alternatively, a discharge pipe from the safety valves may be fitted and led directly to the open air.

Means shall be provided for the crew to safely check the quantity of the fire-extinguishing medium in the containers.

Containers for the storage of fire-extinguishing medium and associated pressure components shall be designed to pressure codes of practice to the satisfaction of the Administration having regard to their locations and maximum ambient temperatures expected in service.

'''Installation requirements'''

The piping for the distribution of fire-extinguishing medium shall be arranged and discharge nozzles so positioned that a uniform distribution of the medium is obtained.

Except as otherwise permitted by the Administration, pressure containers required for the storage of the fire-extinguishing medium, other than steam, shall be located outside the protected spaces in accordance with regulation 11-2/10.4.3 of the Convention.

Spare parts for the system shall be stored on board and be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

'''System control requirements'''

The necessary pipes for conveying fire-extinguishing medium into the protected spaces shall be provided with control valves so marked as to indicate clearly the spaces to which the pipes are led. Suitable provisions shall be made to prevent inadvertent release of the medium into the space. Where a cargo space fitted with a gas fire-extinguishing system is used as a passenger space, the gas connection shall be blanked during such use. The pipes may pass through accommodation areas provided that they are of substantial thickness and that their tightness is verified with a pressure test, after their installation, at a pressure head not less than 5 N/mm2.

In Chapter 5: Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems addition, pipes passing through accommodation areas shall be joined only by welding and shall not be fitted with drains or other openings within such spaces. The pipes shall not pass through refrigerated spaces. <ref name=A/><ref name=B/><ref name=C/><ref name=D/>

==References==

{{reflist}}

* International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) Resolution MSC.98(73), IMO London 2001

[[Category:Firefighting]]

[[Category:International Maritime Organization]]

{{Emergency-services-stub}}

[[Category:Law of the sea]]

[[Category:Emergency services]]