Classification of glazed bulkheads: UK21/F024

Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-077. UK approved recommendation on the correct classification of a glazed bulkhead (bulkhead made of glass partitions).

Question

Should a glazed bulkhead (bulkhead made of glass partitions) be considered under item UK/3.11a or UK/3.11b, or be considered a window under item UK/3.25?

Recommendation

Glazed bulkheads shall be approved under UK/3.11b, not UK/3.11a or UK/3.25.

Glazed bulkheads of other than B-0 class shall be tested with five thermocouples placed on each glass section, corresponding to the way a bulkhead panel is temp. monitored.

For glazed bulkheads, it is not mandatory to apply the window-specific requirement of placing temperature sensors at mid-length of each of the four perimeter edges along the perimeter of the glazed bulkhead, but temperature sensors should be placed at joints between the glazed bulkhead sections (i.e. on mullions and transoms), corresponding to the placing of temperature sensors on the joints between bulkhead panels.

The optional hose stream and thermal radiation tests for windows are not mandatory for glazed bulkheads.

Glazed bulkheads are not entitled to have USCG Approval number. 

References

  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

Items affected

  • UK/3.11, “A” and “B” class divisions fire integrity
  • UK/3.25, “A” and “B” class fire proof windows and side scuttles

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 19 July 2023