The Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Large Ships) Regulations 1998

Restriction of combustible materials

80.—(1) All exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures and surfaces in concealed or inaccessible spaces within accommodation and service spaces and control stations shall be such that a surface spread of flame of Class 1 is not exceeded.

(2) Primary deck coverings in accommodation and service spaces and control stations shall be of an approved material which will not readily ignite or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures.

(3) Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed surfaces within accommodation and service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces shall not contain nitrocellulose or other highly flammable base products and shall not be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke. Such surfaces, except where otherwise required by these Regulations, shall be such that a surface spread of flame of Class 2 will not be exceeded: provided that these requirements shall not apply to furniture, furnishings, machinery and similar items.

(4) (a) Insulating materials shall be of non-combustible materials except in respect of—

(i) cargo spaces;

(ii) materials used to insulate refrigerated compartments;

(iii) materials used to insulate valves associated with hot and cold service systems provided that their exposed surfaces are such that a surface spread of flame of Class 1 will not be exceeded; and

(iv) vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulating materials, if their exposed surfaces are such that a surface spread of flame of Class 1 will not be exceeded.

(b) In a ship constructed before 1st February 1992, a non-combustible bulkhead, lining or ceiling fitted in an accommodation or service space may have a combustible veneer which—

(i) in corridors, stairway enclosures and control stations, does not exceed 1.5 millimetres in thickness;

(ii) in any other accommodation or service space, does not exceed 2.0 millimetres in thickness.

(c) In a ship constructed on or after 1st February 1992—

(i) the total volume of combustible facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers in any accommodation or service space bounded by non-combustible bulkheads, ceilings and linings shall not exceed a volume equivalent to a 2.5 millimetre veneer on the combined area of the walls and ceilings;

(ii) a non-combustible bulkhead, lining or ceiling fitted in an accommodation or service space may have a combustible veneer with a gross calorific potential not exceeding 45 megajoules per square metre of surface area for the thickness used (as measured in accordance with the method specified in International Standard ISO 1716–1973(E) or with an equivalent British Standard which the Secretary of State may specify in a Merchant Shipping Notice).