Section 42 in The Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1969
42. Fixed Foam fire extinguishing installations.
(1)Every fixed foam fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with these rules shall be capable of discharging through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 5 minutes, a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of 15 centimetres the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread. Such installation shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires and means shall be provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to discharge outlets, and for the foam to be effectively directed by fixed sprayers on other main oil fire hazards in the protected space either simultaneously or separately. Such installation shall include mobile sprayers ready for immediate use in the firing area of the boiler.(2)Every fixed area fire extinguishing installation fitted in lieu of a fixed fire smothering gas installation required by these rules to be provided in the oil cargo spaces of any tanker shall be capable of distributing on the decks over the oil cargo tanks through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 15 minutes, a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of at least 5 centimetres the whole of tank deck area. Such installation shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires and means shall be provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to discharge outlets. There shall be sufficient mobile foam sprayers capable of being connected to the installation whereby foam can be directed into any tank.Explanation. - For the purpose of this sub-rule, "tank deck area" means an area equivalent to the extreme length of the cargo tanks multiplied by the breadth of the ship.(3)Every fixed foam fire extinguishing installation shall be so arranged that a fire in any of the spaces it protects will not render the controls inaccessible nor put the installation out of action.(4)Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every fixed foam fire extinguishing installation or in a position adjacent thereto.
