Part 5 Specific Vessel Types

Chapter 10 Vessels Intended to Carry Vehicles

Section 4 Cargo Safety 5-10-4

3.7 Electrical Installations in Ro-Ro Cargo Spaces

3.7.1 Application
These requirements are additional to, or modifying that of Section 4-8-1 through Section
4-8-4, as appropriate.

3.7.2 Ro-Ro Cargo Spaces Intended to Carry Vehicles with Fuel in Their Tanks
3.7.2(a) Hazardous areas. Areas where flammable or explosive gases, vapors or dust are
normally present or likely to be present are known as hazardous areas. Closed ro-ro cargo
spaces carrying motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion are to be
regarded as hazardous areas. Electrical equipment and wiring, except where permitted
otherwise in 5-10-4/3.7.2(b) below, are to be of the types certified safe and suitable for use in
flammable petrol and air mixture. Specifically, the following certified safe equipment may be
used:
Intrinsically safe type (Ex ia and ib);
Flame proof type (Ex d Group IIA T3);
Pressurized or purged type (Ex p); and
Increased safety type (Ex e).
3.7.2(b) Alternative electrical equipment. Electrical equipment of a type so enclosed and
protected as to prevent the escape of sparks, e.g., protection degree of IP55 or equivalent, is
permitted in cargo spaces:
Above a height of 450 mm (17.75 in.) from vehicle deck, and
Above a height of 450 mm (17.75 in.) from vehicle platform, if fitted, except
platforms which may be invaded by petrol vapor from a perforated vehicle platform
above.
In such cases, the ventilation system is to be so designed and operated as to provide
continuous ventilation of the cargo spaces at the rate of at least ten air changes per hour
whenever vehicles are onboard.
3.7.2(c) Exhaust ventilation duct. Electrical equipment and wiring in an exhaust ventilation
duct is to be of a type certified safe for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures (see 5-10-
4/3.7.2(a) above), and the outlet from any exhaust duct is to be sited in a safe location, having
regard to other possible sources of ignition. Exhaust fans are to be of non-sparking
construction complying with 4-8-3/11.

3.7.3 Ro-Ro Cargo Spaces Intended to Carry Dangerous Goods

Ro-ro cargo spaces intended to carry dangerous goods are not to be fitted with electrical
equipment, unless it is essential for operational purposes. Where fitted, the provisions of
4-7-2/7.3.2 are to be complied with; see 5-10-4/3.3.5, 5-10-4/Table 2 and 5-10-4/Table 3.

3.9 Drainage or Bilge Pumping of Ro-Ro Cargo Spaces

3.9.1 Application
Where a gravity drain system is fitted, the system is to comply with the provisions of 4-6-4/3.
Where a bilge pumping system is fitted, the system is to comply with the provisions of
4-6-4/5.

1356 ABS RULES FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING STEEL VESSELS . 2005