Section 41 in The Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1969
41. Fixed pressure water spraying systems for machinery Spaces.
(1)Every fixed pressure water spraying system fitted in compliance with these rules shall be provided with a pump, piping system, control valves, and spraying nozzles.(2)The spraying nozzles shall be of such a type, sufficient in number and so arranged as to ensure distribution of water spray such as will effectively extinguish oil on fire in the spaces protected thereby. Spraying nozzles shall be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and above other main fire hazards in the spaces to be protected.(3)The water spraying system may be divided into sections and shall be controlled from distribution manifolds the valves of which shall be capable of being operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected and which shall be capable of withstanding the effects of an outbreak of fire for a reasonable time.(4)The water spraying system shall be kept charged at the necessary pressure and the pump supplying the water for the system shall be automatically put into action by pressure drop in the system.(5)The pump shall be capable of supplying water at the necessary pressure simultaneously to all sections of the water spraying system in any one compartment to be protected. The pump and its control shall be installed outside the space or spaces to be protected. It shall not be possible for a fire in the space or spaces protected by the water spraying system to put the system out of action.(6)Means shall be provided which will prevent nozzles, from becoming clogged by impurities in the water or corrosion of piping, nozzles, valves and pump.(7)The water spraying system shall include mobile sprayers ready for immediate use in the firing area of the boiler or in the vicinity of the oil fuel unit.(8)No part of the water spraying system shall be situated forward of the collision bulkheads in any passenger steamer.(9)Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every water spraying system or in a position adjacent thereto.
