IACS: Fire-Extinguishing Arrangements in Machinery Spaces

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has revised the interpretation of SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.5.1 and 10.5.2 (Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces).

This Unified Interpretations document (UI SC30 Rev3 CLN) was published on 1 March 2023.

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.5.1

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.5.1 states that machinery spaces with oil-fired boilers or oil fuel units must have a fixed fire-extinguishing system.

If the engine and boiler rooms are not completely separate, or if fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine room, the combined engine and boiler rooms should be treated as one compartment.

Additionally, each boiler room or its entrance should have at least one portable foam applicator unit.

There should be two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent in each firing space of the boiler room and in spaces with oil fuel installations.

An approved foam-type extinguisher of at least 135 L capacity should be present in each boiler room, equipped with hoses on reels to reach all areas.

However, for domestic boilers under 175 kW or boilers protected by fixed water-based local application fire-extinguishing systems, a foam-type extinguisher of at least 135 L capacity is not mandatory.

Each firing space should have a receptacle with 0.1 m³ of sand, sawdust impregnated with soda, or other approved dry material, along with a shovel for spreading.

Alternatively, an approved portable extinguisher can be used.

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.5.2

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.5.2 states that machinery spaces of category A containing internal combustion machinery must have a fixed fire-extinguishing system.

At least one portable foam applicator unit should be present, and there should be approved foam-type fire extinguishers of at least 45 L capacity or equivalent.

These extinguishers should be sufficient in number to cover fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems, gearing, and other fire hazards.

Additionally, an adequate number of portable foam extinguishers or equivalent should be available, ensuring that no point in the space is more than 10 m walking distance from an extinguisher.

Each such space should have at least two extinguishers, although the Administration may consider relaxing this requirement for smaller spaces on cargo ships.