scope:

1.1 This International Standard specifies the minimum design and performance criteria and testing methods of passive fire resistant containers ( FRCs ) for carriage on aircraft main deck, to be used: (a) either in those cargo compartments of civil transport aircraft where they constitute one means of complying with applicable airworthiness regulations, (b) or on a voluntary basis, when deemed appropriate by operators to improve fire protection in aircraft cargo compartments where airworthiness regulations do not currently mandate their use. 1.2 The fire resistant containers (FRCs) specified by this International Standard are intended to be used to contain and restrain unitised cargo for loading into aircraft main deck cargo compartments : (a) either Class B aircraft cargo compartments according to CS-25, CCAR-25, JAS Part 3 or 14 CFR Part 25 § 25.857 (b), in accordance with 1.1 (a) or 1.1 (b) above, (b) or Class E aircraft cargo compartments according to CS-25, CCAR-25, JAS Part 3 or 14 CFR Part 25 § 25.857 (e), in accordance with 1.1 (b) above, (c) or Class F aircraft cargo compartments according to CS-25 § 25.857(f) and AMC to CS-25.855 and 25.857, or 14CFR Part 25 § 25.857(f) and FAA Advisory Circular AC25.857-X, in accordance with 1.1 (a) above. NOTE Though nothing formally prevents a fire resistant container (FRC) from being carried in a lower deck Class C aircraft cargo compartment, it is not intended for this use since its fire containment capability would be redundant with that of the aircraft's fire detection and suppression system, which it could hamper. Consult current regulatory guidance materials and aircraft type's Weight & Balance Manual whenever available. 1.3 Containers are specified in this International Standard only insofar as their flammability requirements and fire resistance performance are concerned. They are not otherwise specified in this International Standard, but still require meeting the applicable general standards. NOTE See clause 2 and sub-clauses 4.1 and 4.2 for applicable containers airworthiness approval and general design standards. 1.4 This International Standard does not cover requirements for fire detection or suppression devices. The specified fire resistant containers (FRCs) are passive devices capable of containing a fire for the specified duration by themselves.. NOTE Nothing, however, prevents additional use of self-contained fire detection or suppression devices within fire resistant containers (FRCs), but such devices are not specified herein. See 4.5.5. 1.5 The use of fire resistant containers meeting the requirements of this International Standard is not alone sufficient to ensure flight safety : this International Standard is based on the assumption that the approved fire resistant containers will be built up, installed and checked prior to aircraft loading in accordance with appropriate operating instructions, by competent, suitably trained, personnel as defined for example in ISO 9001:2008 sub-clause 6.2.2 (see Bibliography item [2] and sub-clause 9.3).