Engine Room Fires
Loss Off Primary Containment (LOPC) risk of fuel systems coming into contact with hot surfaces.
of all fires on merchant ships originate in the engine room 1
of those fires are caused by oil leaks from pressurised systems 2
1 Research coordinated by IMO
2 Research coordinated by IMO
Guiding Principles
- Check Hot surfaces are adequately protected to not create a heat ignition source in event of an oil leak/spray. Ensure insulation is well maintained, properly fitting, and correctly installed after maintenance work.
- Conduct regular temperature check of insulated hot surfaces using a hand-held infrared thermometer. Always do this after maintenance period where insulation has been removed / replaced.
Inside Ship: Shielding of Hot Surfaces in Engine Room - Test functionality of quick closing devices and check no inappropriate locking devices fitted or otherwise be secured in the open position.
- Check PMS job cards and instructions include correct torque settings are known and applied, with correct tools, when overhauling or otherwise installing components in fuel oil systems.
Guidelines for measures to prevent fires in engine rooms and cargo pump rooms (MSC. 1/Circ. 1321) - Ensure use of correct gaskets and jointing compounds as per manufacturer / international standards.
- Implement procedures to identify vibration, fatigue, defects, poor components, and poor fitting of the fuel system and ensure that proper attention to protecting hot surfaces is maintained.
Risk focus: engine room fires - Supplement practical training with Learning Engagement Tools - “Machinery Space Fires”.
Learning Engagement Tool - Run Reflective Learning exercises. - “Is it equipment that really fails?”
Reflective Learning Library - During Chief Engineer handover periods, and every Superintendent visit, check fuel oil systems maintained in good order. Particular attention paid to jacketed piping, spray shields, enclosures, hose assemblies, bellows expansion joints, etc. Oil leaks (even minor) should be attended to without delay.
- Conduct Sailing Engine Room Audits.
Resources
Guidelines for the management of distraction causing devices on board ships
The document provides voluntary guidelines for shipping companies to manage the risks associated with distractions from electronic devices on ships. It outlines a framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to minimize distractions, particularly for key personnel in
Lifesaving appliance pocket checklist (Apple)
This is Lloyd's Register's Port State Control app, designed to streamline ship inspections and compliance processes. Created by the world's oldest marine classification society (established over 260 years ago), the app helps ship owners and crew manage port state inspections more efficiently.
Lifesaving appliance pocket checklist (Google Play store)
This is Lloyd's Register's Port State Control app, designed to streamline ship inspections and compliance processes. Created by the world's oldest marine classification society (established over 260 years ago), the app helps ship owners and crew manage port state inspections more efficiently by ensu
UK P&I Club Carefully to Carry General Container Operations
The document is a section from a maritime shipping manual focused on container operations and waste shipments. It provides detailed guidance on how to properly load, stack, and secure cargo in shipping containers, with specific emphasis on waste transport regulations.
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