SOLAS REQUIREMENT OF BATTERY ROOMS (SOLAS CH : II-1 / Part : D / Reg:43)

.battery room

As per the SOLAS CH : II-1 / Part: D / Reg:43

The main inlets and outlets of all ventilation systems shall be capable of being closed from outside the spaces being ventilated. The means of closing shall be easily accessible as well as prominently and permanently marked and shall indicate whether the shut-off is open or closed.

Battery room is to be fitted with following:

1. The battery room does not open directly onto an exposed deck.

2. The ventilation opening for the battery room is required to be fitted with a closing device according to the Load Line Convention (i.e. the height of the opening does not extend to more than 4.5 m (14.8 feet) above the deck for position 1 or to more than 2.3 m (7.5 feet) above the deck in position 2.

3. The battery room is fitted with a fixed gas fire extinguishing system.

4. A battery room ventilator is fitted with a closing device, then a warning notice stating that “This closing device is to be kept open and only closed in the event of fire or other emergency – Explosive gas.

5. AS per FSS code-maximum hydrogen concentration level below 1%.

6. Ventilation should be placed above battery level to vent out hydrogen accumulation

7. Ventilation fan should be non-metallic.

8. Ventilation fan motor should be placed outside of battery room

9. Two exhaust fans are recommended @rated for 58.66 cubic feet/min and time duration 70min to ventilate battery room fully.

10. All vent opening should be weatherproof.

11. Flame proof lights.

12. No naked lights in the room.

13. “NO SMOKING” signs and poster must be displayed

14. No electric switchboard should be placed inside battery room to avoid fire from arcing

15. Batteries should be placed on a dry elevated platform with clamping arrangement

16. Battery room floor should be acid proof paint for lead acid battery and alkaline resistance paint for NI-CAD battery.