Space Protected By Powder Sign

Space Protected By Powder Sign – FS0132

This space protected by powder sign shows the IMO fire control symbol identifying a compartment protected by a fixed powder fire-extinguishing system. The symbol follows the standard IMO fire control symbol convention used on fire control plans and at the compartment entrance itself, so it is recognisable to crew regardless of language.

Where this space protected by powder sign is used

Machinery spaces, pump rooms, paint stores, and other enclosed compartments carrying flammable liquids or electrical hazards are often protected by a fixed dry powder flooding system that smothers a fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. This space protected by powder sign is fitted at the entrance to warn crew that powder may be released into the space during a fire, and what that means for anyone inside or approaching.

This sign is fixed directly at or beside every entrance to a powder-protected space, as required by the vessel’s fire control plan, so crew are always warned before entering. If the fixed powder system for that space is ever activated, anyone inside needs to evacuate immediately, and anyone approaching needs to know not to enter until the space has been ventilated and confirmed safe.

Every powder-protected space on board should be marked the same way, so crew build a consistent expectation of what to look for regardless of which part of the vessel they are in. An entrance that is left unmarked gives no warning of the hazard, which is far more dangerous than a compartment clearly identified by this sign.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that every powder-protected space is clearly marked at its entrance, that the sign is visible and unobstructed, and that its position matches the vessel’s fire control plan. Correct labelling of these spaces is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since a missing or obscured sign is a serious safety gap around a fixed extinguishing system.

New crew should be shown every space protected by powder during safety familiarisation and fire drills, since understanding which compartments carry this risk without hesitation can be the difference between a safe evacuation and someone being caught in a flooded compartment if the system activates. Clear, consistent labelling like this sign removes that hesitation.

Consistent signage also matters during a routine walk-through inspection, since an unmarked or poorly identified powder-protected space can slow down an auditor trying to confirm the vessel’s fire control plan matches what is actually fitted on board. Fitting this space protected by powder sign at every entrance keeps the fire control plan easy to verify against the equipment in place.

The fixed powder system and its associated warning signage should be checked regularly as part of the vessel’s routine fire safety equipment checks, since a space protected by powder that is not properly marked puts crew at risk of entering during or after a discharge. Keeping this sign in good condition also makes it easier for the crew member responsible for testing to confirm every protected space is accounted for, and it gives visiting port state control officers a quick, reliable way to check compliance during a routine inspection.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0132
IMPA: 33.6862
ISSA: 47.568.62
Compliant: IMO Resolution A.1116(30)

• Fire-retardant marine-grade material
• Available in non-glow vinyl, general purpose glow, or DNV Wheelmark certified Class C / Class D photoluminescent film
• Waterproof and saltwater resistant
• Glossy wipe-clean finish
• Peel-and-stick installation, no tools or drilling

Supplied ready to apply directly at the compartment entrance. Available in the standard size shown above.

This sign is produced to IMO fire control symbol specifications for consistent recognition across international fleets. Need a different size or a custom layout? Contact us for a quote.

Browse our full range of fire fighting signs for more IMO-compliant maritime safety signage.