CFR

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°C. (1,000°F.)

(2) At the end of 10 minutes—704°C. (1,300°F.)

(3) At the end of 30 minutes—843°C. (1,550°F.)

(4) At the end of 60 minutes—927°C. (1,700°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°C. (250°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°C. (325°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 .

(2) Structural insulation, Subpart .

(3) Bulkhead panel, Subpart .

(4) Noncombustible materials, Subpart ;

(5) Interior finishes, Subpart .

(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.

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