(1) Refrigeration systems shall be so designed,
constructed, tested and installed as to take account of the safety
of the system and also the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
or any other ozone-depleting substances from the refrigerant held
in quantities or concentrations which are hazardous to human health
or to the environment, and shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
(2) Refrigerants to be used in refrigeration systems
shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. However, methylchloride
or CFCs whose ozone-depleting potential is higher than 5% of CFC-11
shall not be used as refrigerants.
(3)
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(a) Refrigerating installations shall be adequately
protected against vibration, shock, expansion, shrinkage, etc. and
shall be provided with an automatic safety control device to prevent
a dangerous rise in temperature and pressure.
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(b) Refrigeration systems in which toxic or flammable
refrigerants are used shall be provided with drainage devices leading
to a place where the refrigerant presents no danger to the vessels
or to persons on board.
(4)
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(a) Any space containing refrigerating machinery
including condensers and gas tanks utilizing toxic refrigerants shall
be separated from any adjacent space by gastight bulkheads. Any space
containing the refrigerating machinery including condensers and gas
tanks shall be fitted with a leak detection system having an indicator
outside the space adjacent to the entrance and shall be provided with
an independent ventilation system and a water spray system.
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(b) When such containment is not practicable,
due to size of the vessel, the refrigeration system may be installed
in the machinery space provided that the quantity of refrigerant used
will not cause danger to persons in the machinery space, should all
the gas escape, and provided that an alarm is fitted to give warning
of a dangerous concentration of gas should any leakage occur in the
compartment.
(5) In refrigerating machinery spaces and refrigerating
rooms, alarms shall be connected to the wheelhouse or control stations
or escape exits to prevent persons being trapped. At least one exit
from each such space shall be capable of being opened from the inside.
where practicable, exits from the spaces containing refrigerating
machinery using toxic or flammable gas shall not lead directly into
any accommodation spaces.
(6) Where any refrigerant harmful to persons is
used in a refrigeration system, at least two sets of breathing apparatus
shall be provided, one of which shall be placed in a position not
likely to become inaccessible in the event of leakage of refrigerant.
Breathing apparatus provided as part of the vessel's fire-fighting
equipment may be considered as meeting all or part of this provision
provided its location meets both purposes. Where self-contained breathing
apparatus is used, spare cylinders shall be provided.
(7) Adequate guidance for the safe operation and
emergency procedures for the refrigeration system shall be provided
by suitable notices displayed on board the vessel.