1969-HKRS30-8-59_Part03 — Page 24

38

(b) if the ship is equipped with means for recharging the air cylinders to full pressure with air free from contamination, the spare storage capacity of the fully charged spare cylinder of each such apparatus shall be of at least 1,200 litres (42 cubic feet) of free air, and the total spare storage capacity of free air provided in the ship shall not be required to exceed 4,800 litres (168 cubic feet).

(8) A servicing and Instruction manual shall be kept with each such apparatus

General.

4. (1) Every breathing apparatus shall be constructed of materials having adequate mechanical strength, durability and resistance to deteriora- tion by heal or by contact with water and such materials shall be resistant to fire and shall not allow the breathing circuit to be penetrated by smoke or chemical fumes likely to be enuountered in service. The fabric used in the construction of any harness provided with such apparatus shall be resistant to shrinkage. Exposed metal parts of the apparatus, harness and Bttings shall be of materials 30 far as practicable resistant to frictional sparking.

(2) The following equipment shall be provided for use with each set of breathing apparatus-

(a) a fire-proof life-and-signalling-fire at least 10 feet longer than is required to reach from the open deck in clean sir well clear of any hatch or doorway to any part of the accommodation, service, cargo or machinery spaccs, the line being made of copper or galvanized steel wire rope baving a breaking strength of at least 1,120 Ib. and being overlaid up to at least 17 inches in circum- ference by hemp or other covering to provide a surface which can be firmly gripped when wet:

(b) an adjustable safety belt or harness to which such line aball be capable of being securely attached and detached by the wearer by means of a shap-hook;

(e) means for protecting the cyes and face of the wearer against

sanoke:

(d) plates of suitable non-inflammable material bearing a clearly legible code of signala to be used between the wearer and his attendant, one of which shall be stlached to the safety belt or harness and another attached to the free end of the life-line; and (e) (for every apparatus other than a smoke helmet) a lightweight

safety helmet with lining and adjustable head-band-

(3) Every breathing apparatus shall be clearly marked with the Trage of the maker or vendor and the yea of manufacture, with operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering affed to each mich appaulus.

39

Explanatory Note.

(This Note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general purport),

These regulations apply generally to British ships registered in Hong Kong and to other ships while they are within any port in Hong Kong. They prescribe the safety requirements and fire fighting equipment required to be carried on such ships.

For the purposes of these regulations, ships to which they apply are classed in seven groups (regulation 4). Part II (regulations 5 to 14) prescribes the requirements relevant to ships of Groups 1 and 2 Part II (regulations 15 and 16) relates to ships of Groups 3 and 4 and vests in the Director a power of exemption for ships of Group 4 from the require- ments of the regulations. Part IV (regulations 17 to 26) applies ssimilar provisions to ships of Groups 5 and 6 and vests in the Director a power of exemption for ships of Class XII, Group 6. from the requirements of the regulations. Part V (regulations 27 to 30) relates to ships of Group 7 and vests in the Director a power of exemption from the requirements of the regulations. Part VI (regulations 31 to 47) prescribes additional requiro- ments for ships carrying explosives and provides generally in respect of fire Eghting equipment on board all ships, exhibition of Bre control plans and powers of the Director to accept equivalenta Attings, materials, appliances. etc. and grant exemptions to existing ships. The Schedules to the regula. Tons set out the detailed requirements in respect of international shore connexions, non-portable foam fire extinguishera, non-portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers and breathing apparatus, respectively.

The existing Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Regulations are hereby revoked (regulation 47).

Wh

COUNCIL CHAMBER.

13th May 1969.

Clerk Councils.