A 60 bulkhead, more formally known as an A-60 bulkhead, is a critical component in fire safety, particularly in maritime and offshore structures. It is essentially a fire-rated wall designed to withstand a standard fire for a specific duration.
Based on the provided reference, a "Class A-60 division" refers to a division formed by a bulkhead or deck that is:
- Constructed of steel or an equivalent material and suitably stiffened.
- Constructed to prevent the passage of smoke and flame after 60 minutes of exposure to a standard fire test.
Therefore, a 60 bulkhead is a bulkhead (a type of wall) that meets the criteria of an A-60 division.
Understanding A-60 Divisions
The term "A-60" comes from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. It designates a specific level of fire integrity. An A-60 division, whether a bulkhead or a deck, acts as a passive fire protection barrier.
Key Characteristics of a 60 Bulkhead (A-60)
An A-60 bulkhead is defined by its construction and performance under fire conditions:
- Material: Primarily constructed from steel or materials with equivalent fire-resisting properties.
- Construction: Must be suitably stiffened to maintain structural integrity during a fire.
- Fire Integrity: Designed to prevent the passage of smoke and flame for at least 60 minutes when subjected to a standard fire test.
- Temperature Rise: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, a key part of the A-60 standard is that the average temperature on the unexposed side of the division must not rise more than 140°C above the original temperature, and no single point must rise more than 180°C, for the duration of the test (60 minutes). This limits heat transfer, protecting adjacent areas.
Purpose and Importance
The primary purpose of a 60 bulkhead is to contain a fire within a specific area for a minimum of 60 minutes. This containment provides crucial time for:
- Evacuation of personnel.
- Firefighting efforts to begin and potentially extinguish the fire.
- Preventing the fire from spreading rapidly throughout the structure.
These bulkheads are vital for compartmentalizing spaces and enhancing overall fire safety on vessels and platforms.
Where are they Used?
A-60 bulkheads are mandatory in many areas of:
- Ships: Particularly cruise ships, passenger ferries, and large cargo vessels.
- Offshore Platforms: Oil rigs, gas platforms, and other offshore installations.
- Other Marine Structures: Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, etc.
They are strategically placed between different fire zones, often separating machinery spaces, accommodation areas, service spaces, and cargo areas to minimize the risk of fire spread.
| Feature | Description | Standard Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel or Equivalent | A |
| Fire Integrity | Prevents passage of smoke and flame for 60 minutes under standard test. | 60 |
| Purpose | Passive fire protection, compartmentalization, evacuation time. | Safety Standard |
In summary, a 60 bulkhead is a rigorously tested and certified fire barrier designed to provide a minimum of one hour of protection against fire, a critical element in marine and offshore safety regulations.
