IMCA summarises the teachings discovered with respect to a hearth in engine room.
What occurred
A hearth occurred within the engine room of a vessel throughout operations. The fireplace was first detected by an obligation crew member, and the watch group instantly tried to extinguish it utilizing moveable fireplace extinguishers. Sadly, these efforts weren’t profitable, and the hearth quickly escalated.
The fireplace initially impacted the starboard essential engine and surrounding areas, with temperatures rising past 660°C. This excessive warmth brought on important injury, in the end resulting in the destruction of the engine room and adjoining areas, together with lodging areas.
Nevertheless, the emergency response and firefighting efforts from the fleet and native authorities had been swift, serving to to forestall additional escalation and making certain the protection of the crew and passengers and safety of the atmosphere.
Why did it occur?
Investigation recognized that:
The most certainly trigger as a gas leak from a high-pressure pipe which had been misaligned throughout re-assembly;
Blocked leak detection tubing didn’t alert the crew to the gas leak in a well timed method;
Moreover, blocked drain traces from the new field prevented correct gas drainage, resulting in gas accumulation;
The collected gas ignited upon contact with the engine’s scorching surfaces.
Why did the hearth unfold?
The fireplace unfold for a number of causes together with:
The fireplace water mist system valve being closed, stopping efficient suppression;
Crew tried to shut the gas provide fast closing valves remotely however failed as a consequence of heavy smoke within the space;
The delayed shutdown of engine room air flow, together with incomplete closure of fireplace dampers and doorways, allowed the hearth to unfold quickly as a consequence of elevated oxygen provide.
What can we study
This incident highlights a number of important areas for enchancment in fireplace prevention and emergency response:
Correct Re-Meeting and Upkeep
Alignment of Elements: Misalignment throughout re-assembly can result in critical failures, similar to gas leaks. OEM guide procedures and checks have to be adopted to make sure that all elements, particularly high-pressure gas programs, are appropriately put in and secured.
Common Drain Line and Leak Detection Inspections: Drain traces and leak detection programs needs to be frequently inspected and cleared of any particles which may hinder correct operation. Blockages in these programs can result in undetected hazards.
Emergency Preparedness and Coaching
Drills and Simulations: Frequent fireplace drills and simulations specializing in correct gear dealing with, securing air flow, and shutting security boundaries (similar to hatches and doorways) are key to making sure crew readiness.
Cross-Verify of Procedures: Common cross-checking and audits of security procedures can assist determine areas the place emergency response may fall brief, offering a possibility for corrective motion earlier than an incident happens.
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