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International Structural Fire Protections Materials

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IMO FIRE TEST PROCEDURE CODE (IMO RESOLUTION MSC.61(67))


To facilitate the use of IMO fire tests for fire protection materials, IMO has incorporated these into a code, called the Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code. In addition to the IMO fire tests, the FTP Code contains pass/fail criteria as well as additional requirements. The FTP Code criteria must therefore be applied rather than the criteria in the individual IMO resolutions or ISO standards. The FTP Code has been incorporated into SOLAS as a mandatory instrument.

A significant addition to the FTP Code is the requirement for follow-up inspections at the manufacturer's plant by an acceptable third party.

The FTP Code is divided into parts, each dealing with a specific set of performance criteria as follows:
To enable approving materials as meeting the above IMO criteria, and to avoid confusion concerning the applicable pass/fail criteria, the Coast Guard is establishing new material approval categories as listed below. Most of the new approval category numbers have been selected to correspond to the CFR approval categories. The exception is that the IMO categories have the number "1" after the decimal point instead of "0" (Example: for noncombustible materials the CFR approval category is 164.009, and for the IMO category the number is 164.109).

For materials or devices which had been approved on a vessel-by-vessel basis under the CFR and for which no current approval category exists (doors, windows, penetration seal, and dampers), new approval categories have been assigned as per the Approval Guidance table below.

APPROVAL GUIDANCE

APPROVAL
CATEGORY
 EQUIPMENT
 MRA
APPROVAL
164.105
 DECK ASSEMBLIES (A-60) (SOLAS)
 YES
164.106
 PRIMARY DECK COVERINGS (SOLAS)
 YES
164.107
 STRUCTURAL INSULATION (A-60) (SOLAS)
 YES
164.108
 BULKHEAD PANELS (B-0 AND B-15) (SOLAS)
 YES
164.109
 NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS (SOLAS)
 		YES
164.110
 CONTINUOUS CEILINGS (SOLAS)
 YES
164.111
 DRAPERIES, CURTAINS & OTHER SUSPENDED TEXTILES (SOLAS)
 YES
164.112
 INTERIOR FINISH (SOLAS)
 YES
164.117
 FLOOR FINISHES (SOLAS)
 		YES
164.136
 FIRE DOORS (SOLAS)
 YES
164.137
 WINDOWS (A-60) (SOLAS)
 NO
164.138
 PENETRATION SEALS A-CLASS
 YES
164.139
 DAMPERS (SOLAS)
 		YES
164.140
 PENETRATION SEALS H-CLASS
 NO
164.141
 FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC PIPES (SOLAS)
 NO
164.142
 BEDDING COMPONENTS (SOLAS)
 YES
164.144
 UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE (SOLAS)
 YES
164.146
 FIRE DOOR CONTROL SYSTEMS (SOLAS)
 YES
164.201
 FIRE RESTRICTING MATERIALS FOR HIGH SPEED CRAFT
 NO
164.207
 FIRE-RESISTING DIVISIONS FOR HIGH SPEED CRAFT
 NO

DECK ASSEMBLIES (A-60) (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.105

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires typical bulkhead and deck prototypes to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that their construction meets the requirements for A-Class divisions. All A-Class divisions must meet the A-60 test standard.  The FTP Code requires that all structural insulation materials must be tested for non-combustibility under Annex 1, Part 1 and then tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3.   This approval category is intended to cover insulation systems that are installed above the steel deck plating.  This method of insulation is usually intended to provide a greater deal of noise and vibration reduction for the passengers and crew.  Deck construction where the insulation is installed on the bottom side of the deck is discussed in approval category 164.107.

Materials satisfying the noncombustibility criteria of Annex 1, Part 1 are considered to satisfy the surface flammability and smoke and toxicity testing requirements for primary deck coverings (Annex 1, Part 2 and Part 6).  A copy of the manufacturer's joint detailed and typical installation instructions will become part of the approval.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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PRIMARY DECK COVERINGS (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:   164.106

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires primary deck coverings to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that they do not generate smoke or toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures.  The FTP Code requires all primary deck covering materials to be tested to the flame spread criteria of Annex 1, Part 6 and the smoke density and toxicity criteria of Annex 1, Part 2.  The non-combustibility requirements of Annex 1, Part 1 do not apply.

Primary Deck Coverings vs. Floor Coverings

The FTP Code defines primary deck covering as the first layer of floor construction that is applied directly on top of the deck plating and is inclusive of any primary coat, anti-corrosive compound or adhesive which is necessary to provide protection or adhesion to the deck plating. This category has no counterpart in the CFR.  All materials located above the primary deck covering are considered "floor coverings" which are discussed under approval category 164.117.  Floor coverings are the layers placed on top of the primary deck covering.

Primary deck coverings are generally installed to provide a level surface for the application of the exposed floor covering. 

Primary deck coverings that are intended only for installation beneath a floor covering are tested on a steel substrate while floor coverings are tested on the standard calcium silicate board referenced in IMO Res. A.653(16).

Approved primary deck coverings may be used as floor coverings without additional testing.  As noted in paragraph 5.2 of Annex 2 of the FTP Code, primary deck coverings that have been tested to Part 6 are considered to also comply with the requirements of Part 5.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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STRUCTURAL INSULATION (A-60) (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.107

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires typical bulkhead and deck prototypes to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that their construction meets the requirements for A-Class divisions.  The FTP Code requires that all structural insulation materials must be tested for noncombustibility under Annex 1, Part 1 and then tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3.  The FTP Code requires structural insulations to be tested in the orientation in which the material will be installed.  Because of this, two tests are required, one each in the vertical and horizontal orientations.

In the vertical test, the insulation is mounted on a stiffened 4-mm thick steel core plate that is positioned in the furnace with the insulation and stiffeners on the outside or unexposed side, while the deck test specimen must have the insulation and stiffeners installed below the steel deck plating and exposed to the furnace.  The top surface of the steel deck plating is normally left bare during the test.  If the test is to qualify aluminum construction, the test specimen should include the primary deck coverings and floor finishes that the manufacturer specifies, as they will affect the rate of heat loss on the unexposed side of the assembly and could cause premature structural failure of the aluminum core.  The FTP Code requires that the structural insulation must maintain the aluminum core plate temperature below 200ºC above ambient temperature during the test.  Alternatively, aluminum decks may be tested with a bare top side surface.  If the underside insulation is capable of limiting the core temperature to 150ºC, approval will be granted for the use of any deck coverings.

Insulation materials must be tested at a density that is representative of the manufactured product.  Insulation densities will normally fluctuate due to slight variations in production.  Type approval is therefore based on testing the insulation at the manufacturer’s stated nominal density.  The production density must be within ± 10 % of the nominal density.  If the material is produced at densities outside of this range, then two tests should be conducted at the minimum and maximum nominal density, and all densities within that range will be approved without further testing.

The figures in NVIC 9-97 showing A-60, A-30, and A-15 deck and bulkhead constructions using combinations of materials do not apply to materials tested to the FTP Code.

Normally, all structural insulations are tested in the thickness necessary to achieve an A-60 approval.  If a manufacturer requests a separate approval for an A-30 or A-15 rating, additional testing must be performed to determine the required thickness of insulation.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (G-MSE-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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BULKHEADS (B-0 & B-15) (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.108 .

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires prototypes of typical bulkhead panel systems to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that their construction meets the requirements for B-Class divisions.  The FTP Code requires all bulkhead panel materials to be tested for noncombustibility under Annex 1, Part 1 except that adhesives used in the panel construction may have low flame spread characteristics when tested to Part 5 of the FTP Code rather than meeting non-combustibility criteria. The panels are then tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3.  The FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 3 requires bulkhead panels to be tested in accordance with IMO Res. A.754(18) for approval as B-0 or B-15 divisions.  The FTP Code acceptance criteria references B-30 approvals, however, there are no requirements in SOLAS for such a bulkhead qualification.  The Coast Guard does not, therefore, recognize such a designation.  Panels that pass the test for 30 minutes are approved as either B-0 or B-15 rated materials.  If the test is run for a 60 minute period, the bulkhead panel system may be used as a component of A-Class construction, provided that the test is conducted with a steel core plate as part of the test assembly.  To receive an unrestricted approval, two separate tests must be conducted; one test with the bulkhead panel facing the fire and one test with the steel core facing the fire.  The tested distance between the steel core and the panels is the minimum permitted in actual installations.  If approval of the panel system is to be limited to B-0 or B-15 Class only, the fire test does not include a steel bulkhead.  If the panel system includes internal passages for electric cables or light switches, samples of such panels must be included in the test assembly.

Non symmetrical panel systems must be installed in the test furnace with the side giving the inferior performance exposed to the fire.  If a determination of which side of the panel this is cannot be easily made from a review of the manufacturer's drawings, the panels must be tested in each orientation.

Manufacturers of approved bulkhead panels are required to submit drawings with typical joiner details as a required part of the approval.  The panels must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's typical installation drawings

Testing is conducted on panels without decorative surface finishes or paints.  Decorative surface finishes are approved separately under Parts 2 and 5 of Annex 1 of the FTP Code.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.109

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires noncombustible materials to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that they do not burn or give off flammable vapors in sufficient quantity for self-ignition when heated to approximately 750ºC.  The IMO FTP Code requires noncombustible materials to be tested in accordance with ISO 1182-1990 using the acceptance criteria listed in Annex 1, Part 1 of the FTP Code. These requirements are the same as IMO Res. A.799(18), which was adopted after publication of the FTP Code.  The use of noncombustible materials is a basic functional requirement of SOLAS for most material approvals.  Non-combustible materials may be used anywhere in vessel construction without limitation.

The non-combustibility test is a severe heat exposure where five small samples of the material are inserted into a tubular electric furnace maintained at 750ºC.  Materials approved under this category to date are solid inorganic materials containing only small amounts of organic binder.  The samples must be selected at different locations in a production run to ensure that they are representative of the typical product.

To be considered non-combustible, the average performance of the samples must not exceed any of the criteria shown below:

    * a furnace temperature rise of 30 degrees C;
    * a sample surface temperature rise of 30 degrees C;
    * a duration of flaming of 10 seconds
    * a weight loss of 50 percent.

The temperature rise criteria are determined as the difference between the maximum temperature and the final temperature.  This differs from the procedure in 46 CFR 164.009 where the temperature rise is the difference between the initial stabilization temperature and the maximum temperature.

Some specific materials such as steel or glass is known to be inherently noncombustible based on their composition, and may be used in merchant vessel construction wherever noncombustible materials are required.  These materials do not need to be tested and do not receive certificates of approval.  A list of these materials is contained in Annex 2 of the FTP Code.  For a product to be accepted as a noncombustible material without testing, the manufacturer must certify that the product consists of only the materials listed in Annex 2.  All other materials must be tested.

Non-combustible C-Class Ceilings and Bulkheads

The Coast Guard is now issuing type approvals for composite panel construction intended for use as C-Class divisions, based on a recent decision of the IMO Fire Protection Sub-Committee to allow the use of adhesives with low flame spread characteristics as a component of C-Class construction.

These type panels are generally aluminum honeycomb construction.  Manufacturers have two options for a C-Class type approval.  Representative samples of the panel may be cut and tested in accordance with Annex 1, Part 1 for non-combustibility.  The alternative approach is to use only inherently noncombustible aluminum or steel components that are held together with an adhesive that has been tested under Annex 1, Part 5 for surface flammability.  The Follow Up Testing examines the adhesive application rate of the panel.

Acoustic and Thermal Insulation

SOLAS contains no performance requirements for acoustic and thermal insulation.  However, all insulation materials must be non-combustible as detailed in SOLAS regulation II-2/5.3.  Combustible insulation is permitted in limited applications for cold service piping if it is tested for surface flammability.  This is further discussed under approval category 164.143.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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CONTINUOUS CEILINGS (B-0 AND B-15) (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.110.

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires prototypes of typical continuous ceiling panel systems to be tested in accordance with the FTP Code to ensure that their construction meets the requirements for B-Class divisions.  The FTP Code requires all ceiling panel materials to be tested for non-combustibility under Annex 1, Part 1 except that adhesives used in the panel construction may have low flame spread characteristics when tested to Part 5 of the FTP Code rather than meeting non-combustibility criteria.  The panels are then tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3, Appendix 2.  Decorative surface finishes must be tested separately under Parts 2 and 5 of the FTP Code.

The ceiling test procedure differs from the standard deck test protocol, because the FTP Code requires the ceiling to be mounted in a horizontal furnace on top of simulated bulkheads at least 150 mm high to evaluate the proposed bulkhead/ceiling joint.  If the ceiling is intended to include lighting fixtures, ventilation system hardware or electrical fittings, a second test must be conducted with representative samples of these devices installed in the test specimen.

Continuous ceilings may also be used as a component in A-60 deck construction when certain criteria are met. The fire test is normally conducted with the ceiling suspended below a steel deck in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.  The distance between the steel plate simulating a steel deck in the test furnace and the continuous ceiling below is considered to be the minimum separation distance for actual shipboard installations.  Temperature measurements are made on top of the ceiling to determine compliance with B-15 criteria and on top of the steel deck to determine compliance with A-60 insulation criteria.

Each approval for a continuous ceiling is an approval of a specific design. Extrapolation of the data for application to other designs is not acceptable.  Additional ceiling designs require additional fire tests.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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DRAPERIES, CURTAINS & OTHER SUSPENDED TEXTILES


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.111.

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires draperies, curtains and other suspended textiles used in rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (Type 6 and some Type 7 spaces on passenger ships) to have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of wool having a mass of 0.8 kg/m2.  This can be shown by testing in accordance with the criteria in Annex 1, Part 7 of the FTP Code.  It is not necessary to conduct separate fire tests for different colors of the same material.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA). 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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INTERIOR FINISH (BULKHEAD AND CEILING FINISHES) (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.112

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS permits the use of combustible materials for facings, moldings, decorations and veneers if they comply with the criteria in regulation II-2/5.  Combustible materials used as exposed surfaces in corridors and stairways and on bulkheads and ceilings in passenger ship accommodation, service and control areas are required to have low flame spread characteristics.  This approval category includes only bulkhead and ceiling finishes. Floor coverings are discussed under 164.117, below.  The IMO FTP Code requires these materials to be tested to the surface flammability test in Annex 1, Part 5, and the smoke density and toxicity criteria of Annex 1, Part 2.  The Part 5 testing is conducted first because materials with very low heat release rates are accepted as complying with the smoke and toxicity criteria in Part 2 without the need for further testing.  It is not necessary to conduct separate fire tests for different colors or surface patterns of the same materials.  If a manufacturer produces an interior finish material at different thicknesses, only the maximum thickness must be tested.  The approval will permit the use of all thicknesses up to the maximum.

The Part 2 smoke and toxicity tests are based on the ISO 5659:1994, part 2 smoke chamber, but the acceptance criteria have been modified by the FTP Code.  SOLAS also requires exposed finishes to have a calorific value not exceeding 45 MJ/m2 when tested in accordance with ISO 1716 (oxygen bomb) test.  The Coast Guard applies this criterion to finishes which exceed 2 mm in thickness.

Any adhesives used in applying the finish must be part of the fire test, and the manufacturer of the adhesive will be specified on the certificate of approval issued for the finish.  Other adhesives may not be substituted without repeating the fire test using the substitute adhesive.

Approved interior finishes may be applied as an exposed surface on any approved bulkhead panels, ceilings and noncombustible substrates without additional testing.  The application of approved interior finishes to other construction materials does not require Coast Guard review, but must be done in accordance with the finish manufacturers instructions. 

SOLAS requires paints on exposed interior surfaces to meet the smoke density and toxicity criteria of Annex 1, Part 2 of the FTP Code and the surface flammability criteria of Annex 1, Part 5.  Paint manufacturers may test their paints to Part 5, and if the heat release rates meet the criteria of paragraph 2.2 of Annex 2 of the FTP Code, no further smoke and toxicity testing is necessary.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FLOOR FINISH (SOLAS)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.117

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS permits the use of combustible materials for floor coverings if they comply with the criteria in regulation II-2/5.  Combustible materials used as floor coverings in corridors, stairways and in rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (Type 6 and some Type 7 spaces on passenger ships)  are required to have low flame spread characteristics.  The IMO FTP Code requires these materials to be tested to the surface flammability test in Annex 1, Part 5, and the smoke density and toxicity criteria of Annex 1, Part 2.  The Part 5 testing is conducted first because materials with very low heat release rates are accepted as complying with the smoke and toxicity criteria in Part 2 without the need for further testing.  It is not necessary to conduct separate fire tests for different colors or surface patterns of the same materials.

This approval category includes typical floor finishes such as vinyl tiles and carpet.  SOLAS considers floor coverings as the exposed floor surface.  Any materials installed beneath floor coverings are considered primary deck coverings, which are approved under category 164.106.  If a floor covering consists of multi-layer construction, testing may be required on the combination of layers or each layer separately.  The Coast Guard should be consulted prior to testing to determine the necessary procedure.  Floor coverings are tested on a representative substrate or the standard calcium silicate board referenced in IMO Res. A.653(16).  The floor covering may be mechanically fastened to the substrate or secured with an adhesive.  Any adhesives used are part of the fire test and the application rate and manufacturer of the adhesive are referenced on the type approval certificate.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA). 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FIRE DOORS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.136

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires fire doors in A-Class and B-Class bulkheads to provide equivalent fire resistance to that of the bulkhead in which the doors are installed.  The FTP Code requires that all materials used in the construction of fire doors must be tested for noncombustibility under Annex 1, Part1 and then tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3.  Adhesives used in the construction of fire doors need not be noncombustible, but they must be tested for low flame spread characteristics under Annex 1, Part 5 and should be included in the approved door’s follow-up program.

The maximum size door for which approval is requested must be tested.  If the required door size is larger than the test furnace can accommodate, test the largest size possible.  Fire doors may be constructed of steel, galvanized steel or stainless steel.  Type approval will be issued for all three materials based on a single fire test.  The fire door frame may be either bolted or welded in the test bulkhead.  Doors that are tested with a bolted frame will be approved for shipboard installation using either method.  Doors that are welded to the test bulkhead must be welded on the ship.

Doors must be mounted in the test bulkhead with the side expected to give inferior performance exposed to the fire.  Swinging doors must be oriented in the test bulkhead to swing away from the furnace.  When it may not be possible to judge which side should be tested such as for sliding doors, both sides of the bulkhead must be tested.  Prior to running the test, the U.S. Coast Guard should be contacted to determine the recommended arrangements.

Doors may be tested with an integral window.  Hose stream, thermal radiation and temperature rise testing requirements for the glazing are applicable as follows:

Window
Dimension 		Door Fire
Rating 		Hose Stream
Test Required? 		Heat Flux
Test Required? 		Temperature Rise
Test Required?
≤  645 cm2 A-Class None None None
≥   645 cm2 A-Class Yes Yes Yes
≥  645 cm2 A-0 Yes None None
≤  645 cm2 B-15 None None None
≥  645 cm2 B-15 None Yes Yes
Any dimension B-0 None None None
During the fire test, the surface temperatures on the unexposed side of the door are measured by thermocouples fixed to the surface of the door leaf.  The thermocouples are located at the center of the door and at the center of each of the four quarters of the door leaf.  The thermocouples are positioned at least 100 mm away from the edges of the door and from any special features such as latches, hinges or door knobs.  If a temperature rise limitation is applicable to the integral window, thermocouples should be attached to the unexposed surface of the window as specified for a door leaf.

Doors should be tested with typical hinges, latches, hose ports, electric strikes, viewers and other hardware that the manufacturer intends to use for shipboard applications.  The acceptance criteria for door hardware requires only that the door remain closed for the duration of the fire test and that openings in excess of that permitted by the Code are not allowed to develop.  None of the door hardware is required to be functional after the fire test.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA) with windows not exceeding 645 cm2 in area.


SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:



Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001
 
Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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WINDOWS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.137

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires windows in A-Class and B-Class bulkheads and doors to preserve the integrity requirements of the bulkhead or doors in which they are fitted.  The FTP Code requires windows to be tested for fire resistance under Annex 1, Part 3. Windows must also meet the thermal radiation test supplement to fire resistance, as outlined in Appendix 1 of Part 3 of the FTP Code, and the hose stream test of paragraph 5 of Appendix A.1 of Res. A.754(18).  These tests are not separate tests but are conducted during the normal fire resistance test.  These tests are labeled "optional" in the FTP Code, but are required to obtain Coast Guard type approval.  Windows less than 100 square inches do not require hose stream or thermal radiation tests.

Window fire tests are required to be conducted with the window installed in a test bulkhead with the stiffeners and bulkhead insulation exposed to the furnace.  This configuration is intended to represent exposure of the window to an interior fire scenario, as would be expected on a passenger ship.  For windows intended for other applications, it may be necessary to test the sample with the insulation and stiffeners on the unexposed side of the assembly.  This situation may exist for windows installed on tankers where the fire exposure may to come from an exterior fire source.  Approvals are limited to the largest size windows tested.  Unsymmetrical window units that include multiple types of glazing, air gaps and insulating materials must be tested in the orientation that they are intended to be installed.  In most cases this will require the window to be mounted in the test bulkhead with the exterior glass layer positioned away from the furnace.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Windows are not covered under the US / EC Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001
 
Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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PENETRATION SEALS A-CLASS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.138

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires penetrations of A-Class divisions for piping, electrical cables and other shipboard systems to be tested to ensure that they do not compromise the fire integrity of the penetrated barrier.  Such devices must be tested for their fire resistance in accordance with Annex 1, Part 3 of the FTP Code and Appendices A.III and A.IV of Resolution. A.754(18).  Penetration seals are not required to be constructed of noncombustible materials and they do not have to meet surface flammability or smoke and toxicity criteria.  The Code allows this because penetration seals must have a degree of flexibility to seal around the penetrating items and remain in place when subjected to expected shipboard motions.

Fire rated penetration seals that must also be watertight are tested separately for their watertight properties.  The seals do not need to be tested for water tightness after they have undergone fire testing.  The watertight test specimen should be the size specified in the watertight testing procedures, and does not need to be the same size as that fire tested.  If a penetration seal has been successfully tested for water tightness, the manufacturer may request the type approval certificate to include information to that effect.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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DAMPERS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.139

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  Automatic fire dampers that are installed in A-Class divisions must be tested for their fire resistance in accordance with Annex 1, Part 3 of the FTP Code and Appendix A.II of Resolution. A.754 (18).  Two fire tests are required, one in a vertical furnace for bulkhead penetrations and the other in a horizontal furnace for deck penetrations.  The test bulkhead is mounted in the furnace with its stiffeners and insulation on the unexposed surface; the deck test specimen is mounted with the insulation and stiffeners on the bottom or exposed side.  The FTP Code requires that penetrations must only be installed in the top half of the test bulkhead to simulate actual fire exposure conditions.  However, the Coast Guard will accept tests with penetrations that extend below the mid-height of the test bulkhead if the laboratory adjusts the neutral plane of the furnace below the level of the penetrating devices.

The minimum and maximum size dampers for which approval is requested should be tested.   Dampers are required to automatically close, thus they must be tested with an installed operator.  Dampers that are tested with only a fusible link operator will be limited to the use of only fusible links.  If the manufacturer wishes to use a variety of electrical or pneumatic operators they should be included in the fire tests.  Manufacturers need not test every damper size and configuration with each operator.  All types of operators will be accepted if representative specimens of each are included in the fire tests.

Fire dampers must be in the open position at the start of the test and must close automatically.  Manual closure of the dampers is not acceptable.  The ductwork connected to the dampers must be open during the test.

For Coast Guard type approval, the penetrations must successfully pass only the integrity criteria of Res. A.754(18).  For installation in A-Class divisions, the damper sleeve is required to be insulated similar to the division penetrated.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).  

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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PENETRATION SEALS H-CLASS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.140

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  H-class divisions are constructed of steel or other equivalent materials and are capable of preventing the passage of flame and smoke for two hours.  In addition, they are classified as H-120, H-60 or H-0 depending on the time the assembly is capable of preventing the maximum temperature rise from exceeding 180°C.  H-class divisions may be required on offshore facilities to separate accommodation areas, control stations, or vital equipment from the drill floor and other hazardous locations.

H-class prenetrations are evaluated using the test procedures and acceptance criteria in the FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 3, with the exception of the furnace time-temperature curve.  The standard furnace heating curve is replaced with the hydrocarbon curve in the laboratory test furnace, which is intended to simulate the higher heat flux from a burning flammable liquids fire.

H-class penetrations are typically only installed in exterior boundaries.  Because of this, their approvals are restricted for installation where the side of the penetration seal that was exposed to the test furnace is on the exterior side of the penetrated division.  If the seal is tested with each side of the assembly exposed to the furnace separately, the approval will be unrestricted, i.e., the seal may be installed in the penetrated division with either side exposed to the weather.

If a seal assembly is intended to be used in both bulkhead and deck applications, it must undergo two separate approval tests, one in the vertical orientation and one in the horizontal orientation.

This item cannot be approved under the US/EC Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC PIPES


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.141

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See POLICY FILE MEMORANDUM ON THE FIRE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTIC PIPE PER IMO RESOLUTION A.753(18)

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  Alternate fire endurance test.


SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001 

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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BEDDING COMPONENTS


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.142

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires bedding components such as blankets, quilts, bedspreads, pillows and mattresses used in rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (Type 6 and Type 7 public spaces on passenger ships) to have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame as determined by testing in accordance with Annex 1, Part 9 of the FTP Code.  This test is a small scale test intended to assess the ignitability of bedding components when exposed to a cigarette and lighted match.  It is not necessary to conduct separate fire tests for different colors of the same materials.

Box springs are not required to be tested, since their upper surface is covered by other bedding components.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.144

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS requires upholstered furniture used in rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (Type 6 and some Type 7 public spaces and in stairways on passenger ships) to have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame as determined by testing in accordance with Annex 1, Part 8 of the FTP Code.  This test is a small scale test intended to assess the ignitability of material combinations when exposed to a cigarette or lighted match.  The combination must be representative of the final product.  Individual components (such as fabric, foam, and batting) can not be approved.  It is not necessary to conduct separate fire tests for different colors of the same furniture.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001 

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FIRE DOOR CONTROL SYSTEM (IMO)


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.146

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  SOLAS regulation II-2/9.4 requires power operated fire doors in main vertical zone bulkheads, galley boundaries and stairway enclosures to be able to operate in case of fire.  Testing of the door control system must be performed in accordance with Annex 1, Part 4 of the FTP Code to demonstrate that the door is operable for at least one hour at temperatures up to 200ºC, and at higher temperatures, the control system must disengage to keep the door in the closed position.  The test is conducted by mounting a scale model power operated door in a standard test bulkhead.  The furnace temperature is controlled at 200ºC for 60 minutes during which time the door is opened and closed every 5 minutes to demonstrate the control function.  After 60 minutes, the furnace temperature is increased to the standard IMO time temperature curve.  The model door must remain closed until a temperature of at least 945ºC is reached.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

This item can be approved under the US/EC MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (MRA).

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FIRE RESTRICTING MATERIALS FOR HIGH SPEED CRAFT


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.201

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  The High Speed Craft (HSC) Code defines fire-restricting materials as having properties complying with the Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code.  The FTP Code Annex I, Part 10 is the test standard for fire-restricting materials on high-speed craft.  Part 10 was approved by Resolution MSC/101 (73), and does not appear in the current print edition of the FTP Code.  The HSC Code regulation 7.4 requires the hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks, deck houses, and pillars be constructed of approved non-combustible materials with adequate structural properties, or fire-restricting materials that comply with the Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code.

Fire restricting materials including surface materials on bulkheads, wall and ceiling linings including their supporting structure, furniture and other structural or interior components shall be tested and evaluated in accordance with the fire test procedures specified in IMO Resolution MSC.40(64) as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.90(71).  The tests are performed according to the standard ISO 9705 (Room/Corner Test) and the criteria that must be met are located in IMO Resolutions.

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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FIRE-RESISTING DIVISIONS FOR HIGH SPEED CRAFT


APPROVAL CATEGORY:  164.207

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  The HSC Code regulation 7.4.2 requires bulkheads, decks, ceilings, linings and doors to have fire resisting properties.  Fire-resisting divisions must comply with the FTP Code Annex I, Part 11 (Part 11 was approved after the FTP Code was printed).  Part 11 requires fire resisting divisions to be tested and evaluated in accordance with the fire test procedures specified in IMO Resolution MSC.45(65).

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

The following are additional requirements for materials approved for use in fire-resisting divisions:

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has approved by this office it will received Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

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Last Modified 11/14/2012