Fire test using n-Heptane: UK21/L024
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-078. UK approved recommendation on the use of n-Heptane (C7H16) for the fire test as prescribed in the MSC .81(70).
Question
IMO Resolution MSC.81(70) clause 1.5 states:
…followed by enough petrol to make a minimum depth of 4cm. The petrol should then be ignited….
Burning n-Heptane instead of petrol is more repeatable as n-Heptane is a defined chemical composition and petrol can have many forms.
Petrol is a very loose term for the fuel as it could mean petroleum which may incorporate diesel, gasoline etc. n-Heptane is allowed to be used alongside petrol in ISO 15027-3 Immersion Suits – Part 3: Test Methods, Clause 3.5 Flammability Test.
Is it acceptable to use n-Heptane as the fuel in place of Petrol for the fire test as prescribed in the LSA Code 2010?
Recommendation
Yes, it is acceptable to use n-Heptane (C7H16) for the fire test as prescribed in the MSC .81(70) as it is a petrol.
References
- MSC.81(70)
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
- UK/1.1, Lifebuoys
- UK/1.4, Lifejackets
- UK/1.5, Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits designed to be worn in conjunction WITH a lifejacket
- UK/1.6, Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits designed to be worn WITHOUT a lifejacket
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