Code of Federal Regulations (alpha)

CFR /  Title 46  /  Part 108  /  Sec. 108.131 Definitions.

(a) Standard Fire Test means the test in which specimens of the relevant bulkheads or decks, having a surface of approximately 4.65 square meters (50 square feet) and a height of 2.44 meters (8 feet) resembling as closely as possible the intended construction and including, where appropriate, at least one joint, are exposed in a test furnace to a series of temperature relationships approximately as follows:

(1) At the end of 5 minutes--538 [deg]C. (1,000 [deg]F.)

(2) At the end of 10 minutes--704 [deg]C. (1,300 [deg]F.)

(3) At the end of 30 minutes--843 [deg]C. (1,550 [deg]F.)

(4) At the end of 60 minutes--927 [deg]C. (1,700 [deg]F.).

(b) Bulkheads and decks are defined and classed as follows:

(1) A class bulkhead or deck means a bulkhead or deck that--

(i) Is made of steel or other equivalent material; and

(ii) Prevents the passage of flame and smoke for 60 minutes if subjected to the standard fire test.

(2) A 60 bulkhead or deck means an A class bulkhead or deck that--

(i) Is insulated with approved insulation, bulkhead panels, or deck covering;

(ii) If subjected to the standard fire test for 60 minutes, has an average temperature rise on the unexposed side of the insulated bulkhead or deck of less than 139 [deg]C. (250 [deg]F.) above the temperature before the standard fire test and has a temperature rise at any point on the unexposed surface, including any joint, of less than 180 [deg]C. (325 [deg]F.) above the temperature before the standard fire test.

(3) B class bulkhead or deck means a bulkhead or deck that--

(i) Is made of approved noncombustible material;

(ii) Prevents flame from passing through it for 30 minutes if subjected to the standard fire test.

(4) C class bulkhead or deck means a bulkhead or deck made of approved noncombustible material.

(c) Equivalent material means a material that by itself or with insulation has smoke and fire retardant properties equal to that of the steel required for ``A'' or ``B'' class bulkheads or decks and has structural qualities equivalent to steel at the end of the applicable fire exposure.

(d) Approved material means a material approved under one of the following subparts of Subchapter Q of this chapter:

(1) Deck coverings, Subpart 164.006.

(2) Structural insulation, Subpart 164.007.

(3) Bulkhead panel, Subpart 164.008.

(4) Noncombustible materials, Subpart 164.009;

(5) Interior finishes, Subpart 164.012.

(e) Stairtower means a stairway that penetrates more than one deck within the same enclosure, or two or more stairways that--

(1) Are arranged vertically one above the other; or

(2) Penetrate both the deck and the overhead within the same enclosure.

(f) Accommodation space includes, sleeping, mess, hospital, recreational, toilet, washing and shower spaces, and corridors.