Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code testing of “B” class divisions: UK21/F026
Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-085. UK approved recommendation on the testing of "B" class divisions as per the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010.
Question
International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (FTP Code) Annex 1, Part 3 Appendix 1 states:
1.16 “B” class constructions shall be tested without finishes. For constructions where this is not possible, the finishes may be included in the ‘B’ class test specimen and shall be included in the non-combustibility test of the construction.
Under which conditions can a UK Approved Body certify a B class division with finishes?
Recommendation
A “B” class division, intended to be installed on board with finishes, shall be tested without finishes:
- The certification of “B” class division UK/3.11b should be based on tests performed without finishes of the “B” class construction as per FTP Code Annex 1, Part 3. Compliance to the SOLAS requirements of the finished “B” class division is then ensured by non-combustibility and low flame spread properties of its components, certified in addition, as detailed below:
- the insulation material(s) must be covered by a non-combustibility certificate
- the adhesive material(s) must be covered by a low flame-spread certificate
- any added finish surface material(s) must be covered by a low flame-spread certificate
In MSN 1874 as amended, the above items are respectively covered by UK/3.13, UK/3.18e and UK/3.18a.
In case where the manufacturer demonstrates that it is not possible to test the “B” class division without finishes, the certification of “B” class division UK/3.11b is based on tests with finishes of the “B” class construction as per FTP code Annex 1, Part 3 (the certificate shall include detailed information on the finishes). Compliance to the SOLAS requirements of the finished “B” class divisions is then ensured by non-combustibility and low flame spread properties of its components, certified in addition, as detailed below:
- the insulation material(s) must be covered by a non-combustibility certificate. The finishes must be included in the non-combustibility test and thus, must be included in the certificate (the certificate shall include detailed information on the finishes)
- the adhesive material(s) must be covered by a low flame-spread certificate
- any added finish surface material(s) must be covered by a low flame-spread certificate
References
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
- International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010
Items affected
- UK/3.11b, “A” and “B” class divisions fire integrity: “B” class divisions.
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