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FIRE SAFETY OPERATIONAL BOOKLET

1. FIRE - DEFINITION 2
1.1 Fire triangle 2
2. FIRE ON BOARD, HIGHER RISK 2
3. IGNITION CAUSES 3
3.1 Smoking 3
3.2 Electric short circuit 3
3.3 Spontaneous combustion 3
4. SPACES WITH HIGHER RISK OF FIRE 4
4.1 Spaces with machinery 4
4.2 Galley 4
4.3 Lockers 4
4.4 Holds 5
Bulk Cargoes 5
Containerised cargoes 5
5. OPERATIONS WITH RISK OF FIRE 6
5.1 Works with fire 6
5.2 Bunkers - Fuel and lubricating Oils 7
6. FIGHTING FIRES ON BOARD 8
6.1 Fires class 8
Class A 8
Class B 8
Class C 8
Class D 8
Class K 8
7. MEANS EXISTING ON BOARD TO MINIMISE FIRE PROPAGATION 9
7.1 Fire Bulkheads 9
7.2 Fire Doors 9
7.3 Fire Detection and Alarm 10
8. MEANS EXISTING ON BOARD FOR SELF PROTECTION AND TO FIGHT FIRES 10
8.1 Fire line and boxes 10
8.2 Fire pumps (main and emergency) 11
8.3 Sprinkler System (this system is not compulsory) 11
8.4 Co2 and Foam fixed systems 11
Fixed Co2 systems 11
Foam-water fixed systems (this system can not be used in this ship) 12
8.5 Fire extinguishers 12
8.6 Air flaps and ventilation 12
8.7 Remote control valves locks 13
8.8 Fireman Equipment 13
8.9 Emergency Escape Breathing Devices 13
9. IDENTIFICATION / LOCATION OF FIRE FIGHTING MEANS 13
9.1 Maintenance of fire fighting means 13
10. RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREVENTION AND FIGHTING 14
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FIRE SAFETY OPERATIONAL BOOKLET

1. FIRE - DEFINITION

To start a fire three elements are necessary:

The presence of oxygen in air

Inflammable gas, vapour or dust in appropriate mixture

An ignition source (heat or flame)

1.1 Fire triangle

OXYGEN

GAS VAPOUR OR DUST IGNITION SOURCE

The suppression of any of them prevents or fights fire.

2. FIRE ON BOARD, HIGHER RISK

The risk of fire on board cannot be completely eliminated, but it might be highly minimised if the recommendations on
this manual are dully noted.

Ships are potential fire sources due to the kind of material they carry on board.

Products with low flash point (deflagrate at relatively low temperatures)

The flash points of the different existing products may vary between the -10o C (the most refined petroleum products)
and above the 65o C (heavy fuel oil).
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3. IGNITION CAUSES

3.1 Smoking
Smoking often causes fires on board.

Still lighted fag ends or matches inadvertently turn away and that are not completely
extinguished.

Never turn it away once there is the risk of entering on board again.

Smoking in bed increases the risk of fire in materials as clothes or carpets if the smoker
fall asleep with lighted cigarette.

Smoking in lockers containing inflammable materials increases the risk of fire.

3.2 Electric short circuit

Deficient electrical equipment and distribution circuits are responsible for fire
deflagrations.

Do not use equipment that may raise doubts about its condition.

Do not remove protections such as lamp globes or plug covers.

3.3 Spontaneous combustion

Wastage, shreds, sawing or other garbage, mainly when impregnated with oil became
dangerous because it may spontaneously develop heat in its inward, cause enough to be
set on fire.

Garbage gathering shall be criterions and in accordance with Garbage Management

Procedures.
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4. SPACES WITH HIGHER RISK OF FIRE

4.1 Spaces with machinery

Running machines are heat sources. The use of fuels and oils, materials with low flash
point increase the risk of fire.

Prevention consists of:

Proper maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of equipment

Cleaning of surrounding spaces, drip pans, ribs etc.

To eliminate explosive gases, adequate ventilation.

In accordance with Garbage Management Procedures the treatment of residues

Keeping in mind that they are subject to ship rolling, proper arrangement for products, following its specifications.

4.2 Galley

In the galley and pantries the handling of heat producer equipment (stoves, roasters,
toasters, etc.) may set on fire food products (fried oil), clothes or inflammable material in
the vicinity of the equipment.

Prevention consists of:

Proper maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of equipment

Cleaning of surrounding spaces, sideboards, working tables and workbench.

Cleaning of exhaust filters.

Testing fire-extinguishing system of exhaust collector (in case there is one).

In accordance with Garbage Management Procedures the treatment of residues

Proper placing of used products, keeping in mind ship’s rolling.

4.3 Lockers

Lockers providing storage for paints have proper fixed extinguishing systems that might
be of water, CO2 or others.

These systems may always be operated from the outside of the room.

The familiarisation with the control place of the extinguishing system and how to use it
shall follow Safety Procedures.
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4.4 Holds

Bulk Cargoes

Dust created by certain cargoes may constitute a higher risk of explosion, particularly in
the operations of loading/discharging and cleaning. This risk may be minimised during
working periods providing enough ventilation to prevent the dusty air and if water is used
to do the washing instead of sweeping.

Some cargoes may emit inflammable gases in such amount that may constitute risk of
explosion or fire.

Carriage of higher risk cargoes (mentioned in publication Appendix B of BC Code-Code

describing the different types of dangerous bulk cargoes and procedures to minimise risks) - Information about it shall
be arranged and fasten where it can be seen, in order all crewmembers become acquainted with prevention procedures.

Emergency procedures for cargoes mentioned in Appendix B of BC Code, and that the ship may load in accordance
with the certificate existing on board (see copy of the Certificate attached), are described in forms by type of loaded
product(s) and could be found in this manual as attached.

Containerised cargoes
Containerised cargoes with risk of fire, explosion, toxicity, corrosion etc are generally
designated as “DANGEROUS” cargoes.

Containers with cargoes with this designation are handled and stowed in accordance with
procedures described in a publication called IMDG Code.
(Code, describing the different types of dangerous containerised cargoes and procedures
to minimise risks).

When higher risk cargoes (mentioned in the publication IMDG Code) are carried
information about the type and location of cargoes shall be created and fasten where it can be seen, in order that all
crewmembers become acquainted with prevention procedures.

Emergency procedures for cargoes mentioned as dangerous in Supplement to the IMDG Code, are described in forms
by type of dangerous containerised cargoes) and it may be found in this manual as attached.
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5. OPERATIONS WITH RISK OF FIRE

5.1 Works with fire

Works involving fire (cut, weld) shall only be performed after the fulfilment of
Procedures for Works with Fire and after the items of the respective Check List have
been checked.

To be checked by Section responsible

Is the local free of gases and without inflammable materials?

Are neighbouring areas free of gases and without inflammable materials?
Electrical cables or pipes shall not be affected.
Have openings, such as hatchways, scuttles etc near the local been closed?
Have fire fighting equipment been arranged?
Have conditions been arranged so the local is permanently attended?
Have communication equipment been arranged?

When the work to be done occurs in Enclosed Space Check List nº 26

requirements shall be fulfilled.

The check and authorisation is valid for: (time) ______________________

The continuation of works obliges to daily checks

Person in charge: ____________________________________

To be checked by the performer.

Have authorisation from Chief Department to do the work been given?

Have Part 1 requirements been fulfilled?
Does he know how to use fire-fighting means available?
Does he know how communication system works?
Is he a properly equipped (glove, glasses, crash helmet?
Is cutting/welding material (hoses, torch, reducing device, cables etc.) in good conditions?

The Performer: _____________________________________

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5.2 Bunkers - Fuel and lubricating Oils

Oil bunkering may cause spill risks, with the consequent creation of vapour, easily
inflammable.

Procedures for oil bunkering shall be always fulfilled.

Check List requirements shall be always checked.

The following items shall be followed before and after the operation to assure an
efficient and safe bunkering or transfer of oil

Before Bunkering
1 - Are the parts acquainted with quantities to bunker?
2 - Are the parts involved in the operation qualified?
3 - Is the language used in the operation instructions understood by the parts?
4 - Is the communication equipment suitable for the ship and do the parts know how to properly handle it?
5 - Were the proper signs activated for the operation?
6 - Have the tanks capacity to receive the quantities?
7 - Was the segregation plan applied?
8 - Are there any pipe leaks, which may cause danger?
9 - Were drip-pan drains closed?
10 - Is spill prevention material promptly available?
11 - Is Bunkering Oil Instructions (BOI) displayed near loading station?
12 - Is the emergency closing signal agreed?
13 - The embarking system valves, are they easy operated?
14 - Is the “Overflow” tank empty?
15 - Were deck drains along the ship closed?
16 - Is the equipment to take samples installed/operational?
17 -
18 -
After Bunkering

18 - Are the quantities embarked correct?

19 - Was the sample for analysis taken?
20 - Were deck drains opened?
21 - Was drip pan emptied and drains opened?
22 - Was bunker collector and remaining line drained?
23 - Were the blind flanges assembled?
24 -
25 -

Notes:
In the US a proper checklist presented by the supplier is required to be fulfilled.
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6. FIGHTING FIRES ON BOARD

Some extinguishing forms are not convenient for certain fires and its use may origin additional dangers.

So fires are classified in accordance with its nature and different ways of fighting may be applied.

6.1 Fires class

Class A
Fires produced by usual solid fuels, namely woods, fibrous material, paper, tissues, etc., where the effect
of cooling by water or other solutions containing large quantities of water is normally efficient.

Water is the best way to extinguish a fire caused by Class A materials.

Class B
Fires in liquid or gaseous combustible materials, namely petrol, oils, fuel oil, coal oil, lubricants, paints,
polish, that may free vapours that burn on its surface.

The isolation of the inflamed surface (asphyxia method) is fundamental through the elimination of the
“Oxygen” factor.

Water shall only be used for pulverisation.

The most safe and efficient way to fight a fire in all types of combustible liquids shall be the
application of a foam mantle, on the burning surface.
When this falls on the fire area, it will extinguish it by oxygen suppression (asphyxia)
Foam shall be continuously applied and without interruptions.

Class C
Fires involving electrical equipment under tension.
Equipment shall be turned off.

Do not use water

Class D
Fires produced in combustible metals (magnesium, sodium, uranium, etc.).
The first operation to carry through and whenever possible is to throw away these material.
When this is not possible, water shall be used in abundant quantities, overflowing the room if possible.
Sand may be used to reduce flames caused by burn down material or fire extinguisher with special
chemical agents.
Class K
Fires produced in galley equipment involving vegetable or animal fats used for cooking.

Do not use water.

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7. MEANS EXISTING ON BOARD TO MINIMISE FIRE PROPAGATION

7.1 Fire Bulkheads

They are Bulkheads that due to its composition, steel and isolating material coverings (non-combustible) delay the
propagation process to the nearby areas.

These bulkheads are signed (with different classes of isolation) in the Fire Plan, posted inside the ship in the gangway
fire pipe plan.

Class A – 60 minutes are required in order the fire propagates to nearby space.

Class B – 30 minutes are required in order the fire propagates to nearby space.

7.2 Fire Doors

Doors placed in above-mentioned bulkhead passages and that comply with the same Class.

On board these doors may be assembled in two different ways.

Class A

Class B

The ones that shall be always kept closed operated through springs.

The ones with shooting system connected to an instantaneous lock when the fire detection
system is activated.
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7.3 Fire Detection and Alarm

Fixed fire detection devices activated through smoke.

Fixed detector devices, activated through flame.

Fixed detector devices, activated through heat.

Alarm buttons.

Activate alarm systems showing the area where the situation occurs.

Sound system is activated.

Automatic fire doors are closed.
Ventilators are turned off.

8. MEANS EXISTING ON BOARD FOR SELF PROTECTION AND TO FIGHT FIRES

8.1 Fire line and boxes

In accordance with international regulations (SOLAS), ships have fireboxes in established locations

Equipped with hoses with fast union coupling and nozzles in jet or sprinkler position.

Fire hose coupling strategically located as per (SOLAS) with a fast union for the fire line supplies hoses
coupling.

Some fire lines might be divided allowing the isolation of some areas; i.e. to segregate the deck from the superstructure
or machine room.

The fire line has a standard connection to allow the connection between the fire line and shore instalment.

The familiarisation with fireboxes location and equipment use shall comply with Safety Procedures.
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8.2 Fire pumps (main and emergency)

The so-called fire pumps provide the water needed to fight the fire.

The emergency pump is always located in a distinct compartment of the main pumps, and is moved by an
alternative power (diesel or electric motor supplied by

Emergency Generator).

Pumps have remote control.

The familiarisation with control places location and its use shall comply with Safety Procedures.

8.3 Sprinkler System (this system is not compulsory)

It is a water system contained in a tank under pressure, a system with distribution pipes and outlets with
sprinkler system strategically located.

The outlets are kept closed by a blister that brakes at a certain temperature allowing the water to escape.

8.4 Co2 and Foam fixed systems

Fixed Co2 systems

Spaces like the engine room and holds may have an extinguisher system through;

CO2 (carbon dioxide)

Fixed systems (battery of bottles with gas under pressure), when activated distribute the gas through the net of pipes for;

Spreaders placed in mentioned places.

When being flooded with gas the percentage of oxygen in the area is reduced resulting in the fire asphyxia.

Before using the bottles sounds the abandon alarm (engine room) and the area shall be immediately abandoned once
the atmosphere becomes improper to breathe.
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Foam-water fixed systems (this system can not be used in this ship)

Isolated or in complement with fixed CO2 systems, may be found foam-water systems, said of high
expansion, (the foam-water contains large air blisters inside its mass).

The foam-water is originated by chemical component mixed with water or air under pressure and lead through the net of
pipes;

Spreaders, in order to flood the affected area, producing fire asphyxia.

8.5 Fire extinguishers

The fire extinguisher is a reservoir containing an extinguishing agent

(chemical product(s)) under pressure capable of causing cooling or asphyxia
of small fires.

Fire extinguisher has the Class of fire to which they are meant to and use procedures are always printed in the reservoir
and are easily understandable.

The familiarisation with fire extinguisher type, its location and use shall comply with Safety Procedures.

8.6 Air flaps and ventilation

Ventilation openings are always provided with forms to close air inlet.

Loading spaces, Engines,

Lockers and Galleys and Pantry Space

These systems are always operated when fire is declared, suffocating the affected area and preventing the possibility of
sparkles entering other areas.

The ventilation of those areas when not automatically closed shall be turned off.

The familiarisation with location, air flaps and fans stoppages shall comply with Safety Procedures.
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8.7 Remote control valves locks

In case of pipe rupture, fuel or lubricants tanks which height may cause fuel leakage have quick lock valves
with remote control.

The familiarisation with the location and use of quick and remote control valves lock shall comply with Safety
Procedures.

8.8 Fireman Equipment

Spaces with protection equipment (fireman equipment)

It contains protection material such as:

Anti-fire suit. Autonomous breathing device.

8.9 Emergency Escape Breathing Devices

Located in strategic places, and signalised in the Fire Plans, the Emergency Escape Breathing Devices can
be found.
These devices provide air to be breathing for a short period of time, in order to reach the exterior of the
accident area.

The familiarization with the use of the devices will be part of the fire drills.
Each device will affix instructions of use.

9. IDENTIFICATION / LOCATION OF FIRE FIGHTING MEANS

In order to identify and locate fire-fighting means existing on board, ships post and keep the Fire Plan in the plans
holders of the gangway.

9.1 Maintenance of fire fighting means

The maintenance of fire fighting means shall be made with periodicity and the way it shall be made shall be part of the
“Safety Book”.

The Book is constituted by the routines of the Maintenance Plan related with the items that identify fighting means as
well as “Job Cards” with instructions of testing/maintenance related with.

The printed routines shall be inserted in this Manual (Annex)

Maintenance and testing procedures shall be followed.

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10. RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE PREVENTION AND FIGHTING

The Master is the responsible person for the appliance of prevention and fire fighting procedures.

Crew work in case of fire shall be described in Emergency Plan (Muster List).

Copy of this plan shall be attached to this manual. (Annex)