Core features of the FSS Code (International Code for Fire Safety Systems).

The International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) is a mandatory instrument under SOLAS Chapter II-2, laying down the international technical requirements for fire safety systems and equipment to be fitted on board ships. Its purpose is to provide uniform, design and test standards so that fixed and portable firefighting, fire detection and alarm systems comply with the performance requirements of SOLAS; the Administration/flag State may accept equivalent alternatives under the equivalency provision of SOLAS.

Core features:

• Scope and application: It applies to passenger and cargo ships of all sizes to which SOLAS II-2 applies, and prescribes the exact design, construction, materials, installation, testing and maintenance of fire systems.
• It defines/standardises the fire safety systems: fixed fire-extinguishing systems (water, foam, powder, gas), fire mains and hydrants, fire detectors and fire alarm systems (smoke, heat and flame detectors), sprinkler systems, water-mist, gaseous extinction (CO2, inert), foam (low/high expansion), portable extinguishers, fire doors, and evacuation/escape routes.
• It provides specific performance and testing standards (fire test procedures) for components.
• It sets out the quantities of the extinguishing medium (e.g. CO2 quantity, foam concentrate), minimum pressures/flows (e.g. fire pump capacity, sprinkler discharge), piping requirements and their sizing, number/placement of detectors and extinguishers covering various spaces.
• It includes requirements for the fire safety systems plan and documentation, maintenance, testing and the training of personnel? (fire drills etc are dealt with under SOLAS).
• It is subdivided into chapters (1 general, water extinguishing, water mist, foam, gas, fire detection, etc.) and its provisions are binding through SOLAS reference.

Elaboration of one test prescribed by the Code (example: test of fixed CO2 systems is complex, and the high-expansion foam, but a clear example is the "fire extinguishing medium supply" or the fire detection system? A good, clean one is the "test of the fixed foam or CO2 quantity" but an easier to describe one is the "fire detection" - the performance test of smoke/heat detectors):

Example test - smoke/heat detector and alarm system: The FSS Code (Chapter 9) requires that each fire detector and the fire alarm/warning system be tested. The detectors have to be of a type approved after being subjected to defined fire tests and response-temperature tests. Installation test: detectors must be arranged so the designed average spacing is such that smoke/heat from a fire in the protected space actuates at least one of the detectors and initiates the alarm. A test smoke (artificial smoke/glass of smoke) is applied and the panel must indicate the correct zone; the alarm must operate (audible and visual). The detector must be tested at installation and periodically, and the code requires a manual test facility and that the response be verified. Also the "testing of the fixed CO2" example: the system is pressure-tested to 1.5x working pressure, and the sealed discharge valves/operating controls tested by hydrostatic test of cylinders/pipework; the fire fighting medium (CO2 weight) is confirmed. I will describe the detection test as it gives a clean answer.