Abstract
The objective of this project was to develop guidance for a Type Approval for FRP handrails in fire integrity applications offshore. BP, MODEC, PETROBRAS, ABS and NOV Fiber Glass Systems came together to form an FRP Industry Group which developed a Fire Integrity Matrix intended to be used as the basis for a Fire Integrity Type Approval for FRP handrails.
The notation R0, R3, R2 and R1 performance levels for FRP Handrails were adopted with the aim to correlate these levels as far as possible to already existing Service and Location definitions set out in the PFM 2-98 for FRP Grating. Heat flux and duration requirements for the R0, R3, R2 and R1 performance levels were proposed, based on industry practice and HSE guidance regarding heat flux levels.
An industry FRP handrail product (MARRS Offshore) was subsequently subjected to the Fire Integrity Matrix tests by Southwest Research Institute in Texas and found to meet all the test requirements. The data was subsequently assessed by ABS and the product was awarded a new Type Approval allowing, for the first time, use in fire integrity applications offshore.
