Exam Question

### (a) Means for Cutting Off Air Supply
As per SOLAS regulations, means must be provided to stop all ventilation fans and close all dampers and other openings to the machinery space from a safe position outside the space. This is essential to starve a fire of oxygen, prevent its spread, and ensure the effectiveness of fixed fire-fighting installations.
The primary means provided for cutting off air supply through ventilation ducts are:
1. **Fire Dampers:** These are heavy-duty steel shutters, often of a multi-blade louvre type, installed inside ventilation trunks. Their purpose is to completely seal the duct. They are located at points where ducts penetrate major fire divisions, such as the boundaries of the engine room casing.