The past 12 months have seen Containment become an integral part of our personal and social lives. Containing the spread of the virus by self-quarantining, masking, social distancing, etc.
Containment Maintenance in the marine world is a fact of life that is all too often ignored, or at best, taken for granted, creating a false sense of security. When was the last time you inspected your fire boundary penetrations? [1]
Whether underway, dockside, or in the yard for repairs, maintaining specified boundaries is critical to contain the spread of fire, accidental or otherwise.
Consider a navigation upgrade in the wheelhouse that requires Moving, Adding or Changing cables (MAC work). Penetrations must be opened for work to proceed, a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, a few months? Can you protect those open penetrations on a temporary and permanent basis prior to sail away?
STI Marine Firestop says “YES” you can. [2]
Consider a piping upgrade to replace deteriorating metallic pipe with new plastic pipe. Penetrations must be opened for work to proceed, a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, a few months? Can you protect those open penetrations on a temporary basis until the permanent firestop is in place prior to sail away ?
STI Marine Firestop says “YES” you can. [3]
Consider temporary services run thru open fire doors during repair or construction. Welding leads, compressed air lines, ventilation socks, etc. Fire doors must be opened for work to proceed, a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, a few months? Can you protect those openings on a temporary basis until the temporary services are removed prior to sail away?
STI Marine Firestop says “YES” you can. [4]
Firestop solutions are a form of Passive Fire Protection as opposed to Active solutions like CO2, clean agents, etc. that work in conjunction with Fire Detection to extinguish fires. But those fire suppression agents need to be contained to do their job; if they leak out thru open or faulty penetration seals, you may well lose the battle. Neither passive, nor active is an excuse to not prevent the fire in the first place. Recent studies indicate that well over half of all vessel fires while in the shipyard start from Hot Work. Despite best efforts, accidents do happen and then containment is the critical component to stop the spread of the fire. Of course you could consider mounting a fire axe at all fire doors, billeting a sailor to chop the welding leads and compressed air lines when a fire breaks out. Or is there a better solution?
STI Marine Firestop says “YES” there is. [5]
Do not neglect the attention to these firestop details. STI Marine’s team of experienced professionals is ready to assist. We will provide expert one-on-one support and training in your office or in the shipyard. We have engineering offices in different countries to provide technical support for even the most complicated applications or custom situations. Count on us to provide the support your team needs to make your drydocking or next build successful.
For over 30 years, STI has been the leader in developing innovative firestopping solutions – whether on land or at sea. Trust STI for Service, Technology, and Innovation; pillars for our success and yours! [6]
References:
[1] https://transittracker.stimarine.com/
[2] https://www.stimarine.com/ez-path
[3] https://www.stimarine.com/products/mfc-traditional-firestop-collars
[4] https://www.stimarine.com/products/mfp-marine-firestop-pillows
[5] https://www.stimarine.com/news/pillows
[6] https://www.stimarine.com/contact-us