3. FLAMMABLE CARGO: It is not uncommon that fires erupt during loading and unloading of specific cargoes, like coal, as well as from mis-declared hazardous cargo in containers, such as self- igniting charcoal, chemicals and batteries. EXAMPLE CASE: The master of a container ship saw a large cloud of smoke issuing from the forward part of the vessel. The vessel was transferred to safe anchorage and the fire was extinguished. It was found that the container where the fire started was not declared as dangerous cargo but was actually loaded with calcium hypochlorite and had been mis-declared by the shipper. PREVENTIVE MEASURES: DO: Check that all packages are properly marked and labelled and consider using a Container Packing Checklist . DON’T: Pack damaged packages or stow heavy goods on top of light goods.
4. HOT WORK: Many cargoes, including a wide range of bulk cargoes and general cargoes can be ignited by hot work. EXAMPLE CASE: A fire broke out on a container ship during welding as part of repairs to the cell guides in a cargo hold. The fire was extinguished with no injuries but the container that had caught fire was an open top container covered by a tarpaulin and containing cloths, tyres, wooden plates and machinery. PREVENTIVE MEASURES: DO: Carefully prepare and isolate the work area before commencement of work. DON’T: Neglect a written safety plan for the operation, agreed by everyone involved.
Unfortunately, we suffered 8 fires within our fleet in 2021, 2 of which involved electrical equipment or chargers overheating while being left unattended. In most cases a common-sense approach can prevent fires and therefore ensure the safety of you, your colleagues and the ship. DON’T BE A STATISTIC… SAFE BEHAVIOURS SAVE LIVES!
13
SEAS MAGAZINE // ISSUE 5
Made with FlippingBook Proposal Creator