ISO 15370:2021/Amd 1:2023

Overview

ISO 15370:2021/Amd 1:2023 is the latest amendment to the international standard focusing on low-location lighting (LLL) arrangement on passenger ships. This document, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), updates safety-related requirements and testing methods vital for enhancing maritime passenger safety through effective emergency lighting.

Low-location lighting systems are critical components in passenger ships as they guide occupants safely during emergencies such as power outages or smoke-filled environments. This amendment refines material specifications and flame-retardant criteria, ensuring higher reliability of LLL installations across the maritime industry.

Key Topics

• Low-location lighting (LLL) arrangement: The amendment addresses the setup and installation of lighting placed near deck levels to aid safe evacuation and navigation on passenger ships.

• Material Flame Retardancy Tests:

  • PL (photoluminescent) materials used for LLL must conform to the flame test outlined in ISO 3795, involving a 38 mm flame contact for 15 seconds.
  • Post-test criteria emphasize the materials should:
    • Not ignite, or
    • Not burn more than 51 mm within 60 seconds, or
    • Have a burning rate of 102 mm/min or less.

• Safety and compliance: These enhanced flame-retardant requirements improve the operational safety and durability of low-location lighting in marine environments.

• Publication and governance: Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Subcommittee SC 1, focusing on maritime safety to maintain international harmonization of marine technology standards.

Applications

• Passenger ships: The standard specifically applies to installation and materials used for low-location lighting in passenger vessels, ensuring clear evacuation routes during emergencies.

• Marine safety systems: Shipbuilders, marine engineers, and safety compliance officers utilize this amendment to design and retrofit vessels with effective LLL systems that meet stringent fire safety standards.

• Regulatory compliance: Adherence to ISO 15370:2021/Amd 1:2023 supports ship operators in meeting international maritime regulations, enhancing onboard safety protocols.

• Emergency preparedness: Operators and crew rely on these lighting arrangements during situations such as power failure, heavy smoke, or fire, improving evacuation efficiency and reducing panic.

Related Standards

• ISO 3795 – Road vehicles - Measurement of burning behavior of interior materials: The referenced test method for flame contact and burning rate is critical for evaluating flame retardancy of materials used in LLL.

• IMO SOLAS regulations – Safety of Life at Sea conventions: The ISO standard complements SOLAS requirements for emergency lighting on passenger ships.

• IEC standards on marine lighting – IEC and ISO collaborate closely to ensure consistency in electrotechnical maritime safety standards.

• ISO/IEC Directives – Provide the framework governing the development, editorial rules, and approval of ISO documents, ensuring internationally recognized quality and integrity.

Keywords: ISO 15370 amendment, low-location lighting, LLL arrangement, passenger ship safety, marine lighting standard, flame retardant materials, ISO 3795 testing, maritime safety standards, ship emergency lighting, photoluminescent materials, passenger vessel regulations, marine technology.