Closing up our series on Fire safety, this week we are looking at fire in other areas.
A fire in any area can very quickly become can be a serious emergency situation! If not contained quickly the fire can go from ignition to a major fire in a matter of seconds.
Types and causes of fires
Think about what’s about onboard your vessel that has the potential to become a fire or a source of a fire!
A fire onboard can instil instant terror and has the potential to cause spine-tingling, knee shaking semi-paralysis that can freeze you momentarily in place!
The most common cause of fires onboard vessels according to insurance company statistics is electrical faults.
– Some of the most common causes of fires are:
Faulty wiring
Faulty power sockets
Faulty distribution boards
Faulty or overloaded power boards
Faulty or damaged power leads
Fuel vapours
Hydrogen gas from batteries
Hot works
Charging mobile phones, tablets and computers
Power leads
LPG
And many other potential fire sources
– Electrical fires
Electrical fires can be caused by a number of issues including but not limited to:
Chaffed or otherwise damaged wiring
Failure in power boards and/or circuit breakers
Power outlets and extension leads due to overloading
Power leads run through doors, windows and hatches that get damaged
– Dealing with fires in other areas of your vessel
At the first sign of a fire raise the alarm – yell “FIRE FIRE FIRE”
Assess the situation: Is it safe to approach the fire or enter the cabin or compartment
For fires in a cabin, compartment or hold test the heat by putting the back of your hand on the hatch or door. If it’s very hot do not attempt to open the door or hatch
Position the vessel according to prevailing conditions
Activate fire pump (if installed)
If safe to approach the fire or enter the space ensure you have a back-up person then enter to assess the situation
Fight the fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher
DO NOT try to extinguish the fire with water where electricity is on
Use the fire or deck hose for boundary cooling (if fitted)
If the fire becomes uncontrollable and you’re unable to extinguish the fire GET OUT, exit the area and if in a cabin, compartment of hold close the door/hatch
Conduct a head count to ensure all persons are accounted for and apply First Aid if necessary
Transmit an emergency call relevant to the situation.
Shut any machinery and/or electrical equipment in the space if applicable
Shut down air conditioning
Continue to monitor the situation and do not open any doors or hatches until you are sure the chance of re-ignition is minimised
If necessary prepare to abandon ship
If in danger of losing the vessel transmit a MAYDAY message or call the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) on 02 6230 6811
Abandon ship if necessary
The above steps for dealing with a general fire in other areas of your vessel and are the basic general steps to put in place. Your procedure for dealing with fires in other areas of your vessel will depend on a number of factors including but not limited to:
Do you have a fire pump or deck hose installed?
Where you locate your fire extinguishers
What type of fire extinguishers you have available
How many fire extinguishers are available
What you store in the space
How many crew members are onboard
And any number of other factors specific to your vessel
You don’t want your vessel to end up like this!
Reducing the risk of fire onboard your vessel
Regular inspections and maintenance is essential to preventing a fire on your vessel
Avoid DIY on marine electrics. Incorrectly installed electrical components are more likely to cause a fire and…it’s illegal!
Shorlink’s Recommendation
Our 3 prevent a fire on your vessel recommendations are:
Ensure you undertake regular inspections of electrical systems and where required carry out repairs or maintenance
Keep loads on electrical outlets within the rated capacity of the outlet. Do not overload power sockets or boards
Ensure your fire extinguishers are well maintained and in service at all times because…you never know when you’ll need them!
Tip
Our top tips for preventing fires are:
The biggest tip of all is to ensure all your crew have appropriate training in fire response based on your vessel and its operations
All your crew know where fire extinguishers are located, what class of fires they are suitable for and how to use them
Keeping all areas free of potential fire hazards
By following these simple tips, the chances of a fire onboard your vessel is reduced significantly.