Fire-safe Insulation
Fire-safe Insulation
On board marine vessels, it is mandatory to implement fire-protection measures between accommodation spaces and spaces with elevated fire risk (in particular machinery spaces and, on chemical tankers, cargo tanks). In line with this requirement, the fire insulation of vessels in service or under construction is surveyed and approved by ship classification societies.
Fire Barrier materials must be certified under the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures (IMO Resolution MSC.61(67) – FTP Code). Certification is based on the tests defined in IMO Resolution A.754(18) and carried out in IMO-approved laboratories, mandating the use of certified products.
According to these tests, insulation products are subjected to a one-hour fire test in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Performance is verified by measuring temperatures on the unexposed face opposite the fire-exposed surface. Under the specified test conditions, the temperature on the unexposed surface at 60 minutes shall not exceed 140 °C; higher temperatures constitute evidence of non-compliance.
Insulation products that meet the foregoing conditions are documented by a classification society and released for end-user application. Certification criteria vary by material; the classification society conducts its audit against the applicable conditions and determines whether the final rules are fulfilled.
