This specification provides the testing and performance requirements for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) gratings used in marine construction and shipbuilding to ensure personnel safety. It is intended for use by all persons designing, manufacturing, testing, inspecting, and maintaining FRP gratings. It does not address the ability of the gratings to support either moving or stationary equipment during or after a fire exposure, as well as hydrocarbon pool or jet fire exposures.

This specification covers test requirements that must be met, namely: deflection limits, assembled grating ultimate failure, wheel loading, assembled panel impact resistance, skid resistance, durability, ultraviolet resistance, salt spray, surface flammability, and structural fire integrity.

1.1 This specification provides the testing and performance requirements for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) gratings used in marine construction and shipbuilding as an equivalency to the specification of steel gratings rated for a maximum load of 94 lbf/ft² (4.5 kN/m²).

1.2 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that all FRP gratings are designed and tested appropriately to ensure personnel safety. It does not address the ability of the gratings to support either moving or stationary equipment during or after a fire exposure.

1.3 This specification addresses fire conditions based on Test Methods E119 fire exposure and does not address hydrocarbon pool or jet fire exposures.

1.4 This specification is intended for use by all persons designing, manufacturing, testing, inspecting, and maintaining FRP gratings.

1.5 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This specification does not constitute regulations or ship classification rules, which shall be consulted where applicable.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.