Temperature measurements on hatches in B-class divisions: UK21/F007
Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-023. UK approved recommendation on the testing of inspection hatches in B-class divisions.
Question
Inspection hatches are often mounted in bulkhead or ceiling panels. They are supplied with simple hinges and are locked with manually operated shot bolts or pawl locks. They do not meet the requirement for operation of doors as detailed in the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (2010 FTP Code), Annex 1, Part 3, Appendix 1, chapter 6.3. Manufacturers declare hatches to be doors and have them tested as such, i.e. with a 100 mm zone around the gap where the maximum temperature criterion does not apply.
An inspection hatch may also be designed as a removable panel without hinges. In this case it will be considered part of the bulkhead or ceiling and the maximum temperature criterion applies on the entire surface.
An inspection hatch will normally remain closed for a long period of time irrespective of the presence or absence of hinges.
Should hatches mounted in a bulkhead or ceiling therefore be tested as part of the bulkhead/ceiling, or as a door?
Recommendation
Inspection hatches for mounting in B class bulkheads shall meet the performance requirements in the 2010 FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 3, for a B class door.
Inspection hatches for mounting in B class ceilings shall meet the performance requirements in the 2010 FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 3 for a B class ceiling, in this respect the surrounding panels are to be considered and therefore instrumented (thermocouples) as panel joints.
References
- The International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
- UK/3.11, “A” and “B” class divisions fire integrity
- UK/3.16, Fire Doors
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca