Bulletin No.: 07/1988

Date (Y-M-D): 1988-03-07
 

Subject: Plastic Piping

The "Standard for Plastic Piping", TP1083, was published in 1977 in response to inquiries from the industry and took note at that time of the views and guidelines adopted by other responsible authorities. The use of plastic piping has been allowed for certain services provided the arrangement of the system provided an equivalent standard of safety to steel piping with respect to inroads of the sea and protection from fire. In accommodation spaces, the use of plastic pipes in concealed spaces was prohibited unless fitted inside ducts or trunks constructed to 'A' Class standards.

Because of its low cost and ease of installation, plastic piping has become increasingly popular. However, evidence exists that when this type of material is exposed to heat or flame the decomposition products present a life hazard to passengers and crew. For example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) will emit at relatively low temperatures, hydrogen chloride, carbon-dioxide and carbon- monoxide and large amounts of smoke. Depending upon the type and amount of the compounding ingredient added during manufacture, decomposition products may include benzene and hydrocarbons.

In view of the life hazard that these materials present their use within accommodation spaces, control stations and service spaces is now prohibited. Their use outside such spaces will only be permitted for the systems already specified provided the pipes are not fitted in concealed or inaccessible spaces such as behind ceiling and linings.

In addition, when piping extends vertical through more than one tweendeck, the vertical piping including horizontal offsets in alternate tweendecks is to be of steel.

The publication TP1083, "Standard for Plastic Piping", will be revised in the near future to incorporate the above changes.

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