3 - SAFETY DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT69
3.7.1 Generalinformationtopreventre
Regular and correct maintenance of the systems and a prudent behaviour
of all passengers are indispensable measures for preventing any risk of re.
Over 90% of the probabilities of ghting a re successfully, depends on the
ability to prevent and avoid any condition that may help a re to spread.
The small remaining percentage depends on the crew’s reaction ability, and
most of all, their rapidity to enter into action.
Nearly all res, if detected early, can be extinguished easily.
For these reasons, it is necessary to carry out preventive surveys on a regu-
lar basis and identify all possible re sources, and in particular:
• Check the proper operation of all main equipment/systems;
• Visit all compartments and in particular the engine room frequently;
• If a system does not work correctly, identify the failure and take the ap-
propriate corrective actions;
• Operate all systems and equipment as specied.
If a re is detected, identify and remove the cause, if possible, (e.g. in case
of a short-circuit, cut-off the electrical system), extinguish the re promptly
and be vigilant to make sure that the re does not break out again.
WARNING
Never use water jets to extinguish res on electric or electronic equipment.
CAUTION
The ability to operate the re extinguishers properly can ensure the suc-
cess of the operation.
It is vital that the re ghting operations are performed by people compe-
tent in this type of emergencies.
It is in any case necessary to be aware of the minimum re-prevention
and re-ghting rules; the rst defence is to prevent res before they start
spreading.
The following table contains the classication of the re types:
Comparisonbetweenreclasses
American Europe/Australia/
Asia
Fuel/Heat source
Class A Class A Ordinary fuels
Class B Class B Flammable liquids
Class C Flammable gases
Class C Class E Electric appliances
Class D Class D Combustible metals
Class K Class F Cooking oil or fat
It is very important to use the correct extinguishing agent according to each
re class; normally, water can be used only for class A res, together with
chemical extinguishing agents (portable or xed devices).
To Next Page
Loading...