Cantiere Del Pardo Grand Soleil 39, Owner'S Manual, Page: 119 / 132

Ed. 04/2012
GS 39 m.y. 2012
135
39
CHAP. I
I. FIRE PROTECTION
This chapter describes the firefighting systems
installed on your Grand Soleil 39, and also
gives information on fire prevention and the
correct way to deal with fires if these ever
break out.
I.1 ESCAPE ROUTES
The following hatches are considered to be
emergency escape routes:
- hatch on master cabin ceiling;
- hatches (2) on dinette/saloon ceiling;
- skylight leading to cockpit from internal
dinette.
ESCAPE ROUTES MUST NEVER
BE OBSTRUCTED OR BLOCKED BY
STORED ITEMS. SHOW PASSENGERS
ALL ESCAPE ROUTES.
I.2 FIREFIGHTING SYSTEMS
Your boat is equipped with a series of
handheld 1-kg dry-powder fire extinguishers.
Support brackets for handheld extinguishers
are marked with specific labels.
You must have handheld extinguishers
checked at least once a year. Dry-powder
extinguishers should also be shaken up
occasionally to prevent powder deposits
from forming.
If the extinguishers have to be used, take
care not to breathe in the powder released.
After use, carefully wash or clean all surfaces
covered by powder.
In the cockpit, to port behind the helmwheels,
there is the handle for emergency closure
of the fuel supply to the engine. When
operated, this handle closes the supply valve
leaving the fuel tank, preventing all possible
losses of inflammable fuel
If this handle is pulled, the fuel valve must
be reopened locally, otherwise the engine
cannot be started again. The fuel valve can
be accessed from beneath the port guest
cabin bed panel.
However, you must remember that the
engine will not stop immediately when the
fuel valve is closed, as the small quantity
of fuel remaining in the supply pipes must
first be used. If you want to stop the engine,
you should therefore not rely solely on this
mechanism.
It must be noted that in the same compartment
there is an electric air extractor with a
timer. The extractor operates automatically,
commanded by a relay with timer. In case of
an engine fire or any other fire in the engine
room, the air discharge outlet on the port side
of the cockpit must be blocked with rags, to
prevent the extractor from providing a flow
of air that would feed the fire. Otherwise
power from the batteries must be cut off by
opening the battery disconnector switches.
I.3 IN CASE OF FIRE
While fire is undoubtedly the most dangerous
hazard that can threaten a boat, the risks are
increased when efforts to extinguish the fire
are made too late and are carried out in a
confused and ineffective manner. It has been
shown that virtually all fires on boats can
be controlled and extinguished if they are
discovered as soon as they break out and are
handled correctly.
However, it is even more important to
eliminate the conditions that can cause a fire
to break out.
There is little risk of fire on a boat that is
adequately checked, regularly serviced and
kept clean.
Generally, fires can break out only in the
following situations.
a. Defective electrical systems or im-
proper use.
b. Contact between inflammable liquids
(oil, fuel) and hot surfaces.
c. Improper use of cooking equipment.
d. Incautious use of cigarettes, cigars,
lighters, etc.
e. Naked flames used without adequate
precautions.
WARNING