Header:
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
TITLE 46 -- SHIPPING
CHAPTER I -- COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBCHAPTER T -- SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS)
PART 176 -- INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
SUBPART H -- MATERIAL INSPECTIO
Date:
02/28/2013
Document:
§ 176.810 Fire protection.
(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspection of its fire protection equipment, including the following:
(1) Inspection of each hand portable fire extinguisher, semiportable fire extinguisher, and fixed gas fire extinguishing system to check for excessive corrosion and general condition;
(2) Inspection of piping, controls, and valves, and the inspection and testing of alarms and ventilation shutdowns, for each fixed gas fire extinguishing system and detecting system to determine that the system is in operating condition;
(3) Operation of the fire main system and checking of the pressure at the most remote and highest outlets;
(4) Testing of each fire hose to a test pressure equivalent to its maximum service pressure;
(5) Checking of each cylinder containing compressed gas to ensure it has been tested and marked in accordance with § 147.60 in subchapter N of this chapter;
(6) Testing or renewal of flexible connections and discharge hoses on semiportable extinguishers and fixed gas extinguishing systems in accordance with § 147.65 in subchapter N of this chapter; and
(7) Inspection and testing of all smoke and fire detection systems, including sensors and alarms.
(b) The owner, managing operator, or a qualified servicing facility as applicable shall conduct the following inspections and tests:
(1) For portable fire extinguishers, the inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests required by Chapter 4 of NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, 46 CFR 175.600) with the frequency specified by NFPA 10. In addition, carbon dioxide and Halon portable fire extinguishers must be refilled when the net content weight loss exceeds that specified for fixed systems by Table 176.810(b). The owner or managing operator shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.
(2) For semiportable and fixed gas fire extinguishing systems, the inspections and tests required by Table 176.810(b)(2), in addition to the tests required by 46 CFR 147.60, 147.65, 147.66, and 147.67. The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any equipment or record has not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests.
Table 176.810(b)(2)--Semiportable and Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
Type system Test
Carbon dioxide Weigh cylinders. Recharge cylinder if
weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the
weight of the charge. Test time
delays, alarms, and ventilation
shutdowns with carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as
stated in the system manufacturer's
instruction manual. Inspect hoses for
damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles
are unobstructed. Cylinders must be
tested and marked, and all flexible
connections on fixed carbon dioxide
systems must be tested or renewed, as
required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65.
Halon 1301 and halocarbon Recharge or replace if weight loss
exceeds 5 percent of the weight of the
charge or if cylinder has a pressure
gauge, recharge cylinder if pressure
loss exceeds 10 percent, adjusted for
temperature. Test time delays, alarms,
and ventilation shutdowns with carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, or other
nonflammable gas as stated in the
system manufacturer's instruction
manual. Inspect hoses for damage or
decay. Ensure that nozzles are
unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested
and marked, and all flexible
connections to Halon 1301 and
halocarbon cylinders must be tested or
renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60
and 147.65 or 147.67. Note that Halon
1301 system approvals have expired,
but that existing systems may be
retained if they are in good and
serviceable condition to the
satisfaction of the Coast Guard
inspector.
Dry chemical (cartridge operated) Examine pressure cartridge and replace
if end is punctured or if determined
to have leaked or to be in unsuitable
condition. Inspect hose and nozzle to
see if they are clear. Insert charged
cartridge. Ensure dry chemical is free
flowing (not caked) and extinguisher
contains full charge.
Dry chemical (stored pressure) See that pressure gauge is in
operating range. If not, or if the
seal is broken, weigh or otherwise
determine that extinguisher is fully
charged with dry chemical. Recharge if
pressure is low or if dry chemical is
needed.
Foam (stored pressure) See that any pressure gauge is in the
operating range. If not, or if the
seal is broken, weigh or otherwise
determine that extinguisher is fully
charged with foam. Recharge if
pressure is low or if foam is needed.
Replace premixed agent every 3 years.
Inert gas Recharge or replace cylinder if
cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5
percent of the specified gauge
pressure, adjusted for temperature.
Test time delays, alarms, and
ventilation shutdowns with carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, or other
nonflammable gas as stated in the
system manufacturer's instruction
manual. Inspect hoses for damage or
decay. Ensure that nozzles are
unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested
and marked, and all flexible
connections on fixed inert
extinguishers must be tested or
renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60
and 147.66.
Water mist Maintain system in accordance with the
maintenance instructions in the system
manufacturer's design, installation,
operation, and maintenance manual.
(c) The owner, managing operator, or master shall destroy, in the presence of the marine inspector, each fire hose found to be defective and incapable of repair.
(d) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the marine inspector may require that a fire drill be held under simulated emergency conditions to be specified by the inspector.
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