Prior to the goal-setting PFEER regulations [1] coming into force in 1995, offshore installations had to comply with the now-revoked prescriptive requirements of SI611 [2]. For management of fires in accommodation, SI611 included the need to install sprinkler systems, but due to improved, high sensitivity smoke detection and other practices, other fire management strategies are now possible. Whatever approach is adopted for a new or existing installation, it must meet the PFEER requirement of “appropriate measures” to protect people from fires (and explosions) and ensure effective emergency response.
There is a commonality of fire hazard in accommodation across installations:
- For cabins the fire load is minimal and restricted to soft furnishings; and the ignition source is from fixed, or portable electrical equipment.
- For the laundry and galley, the fire hazard is clear with common risk management.
This document describes how to assess and manage the fire risk in typical offshore accommodation.
The hazard in cabins is different to that in other accommodation areas as personnel are likely to be asleep and may not identify the onset of a fire. Therefore, this guidance first considers cabins (Sections 2 and 3), with other areas and specifically the laundry and galley considered in Section 4.
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