Engine Room Fire Safety - Learn the Ropes Series

Summary

This video highlights the extreme dangers of fires on ships, particularly in engine rooms, where confined spaces and elements of the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and air) make combatting fires difficult. It emphasizes the importance of maintenance, cleanliness, and fire safety culture in reducing fire risks, particularly around high-temperature surfaces and fuel leaks, which account for 70% of engine room fires. The video outlines key preventive measures, such as proper insulation, maintenance of fire doors, and addressing oil leaks. A strong safety culture and awareness are essential to minimizing the risks of engine room fires.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engine room fires present extreme danger due to confined spaces and abundant fire triangle elements (heat, fuel, air).
• 😀 Flammable liquids can auto-ignite when they leak, splash, or spray onto exposed high-temperature surfaces.
• 😀 Areas around hot exhaust manifolds and oil-fired boilers have higher ignition risks due to potential fuel leaks.
• 😀 Fuel leaks cause up to 70% of engine room fires, making proper leak management essential for fire prevention.
• 😀 SOLAS regulations require insulation of surfaces with temperatures of 220°C and above to reduce fire risks.
• 😀 Exhaust gas manifold casings and indicator valve shields degrade over time due to vibration, heating, and cooling cycles.
• 😀 Padded soft lagging mats can become soaked with flammable fluids from minor leaks or splashes, increasing fire risk.
• 😀 High-temperature surfaces should always be adequately protected to prevent ignition from combustible liquids.
• 😀 Engine room cleanliness and fire safety culture are crucial in preventing fires caused by oil leaks or dirty conditions.
• 😀 Proper maintenance of fire doors, self-closing valves, and pressurized pipes is essential for preventing engine room fires.
• 😀 Oil-soaked rags, cotton waste, and inoperative fire dampers present additional fire risks, especially near hot work areas.

Q & A

What are the main challenges of combating fires in engine rooms?

Engine room fires are particularly challenging due to the confined space and the presence of all three elements of the fire triangle—heat, fuel, and air—which makes controlling the fire difficult.

How does the risk of fire increase in areas around hot exhaust manifolds and oil-fired boilers?

The risk increases because flammable liquids that leak, splash, or spray onto exposed high-temperature surfaces like exhaust manifolds and oil-fired boilers can auto-ignite, creating a fire hazard.

What percentage of engine room fires are caused by fuel leaks?

Fuel leaks cause up to 70% of all engine room fires, making them a significant contributor to fire risks in these areas.

What does SOLAS require to prevent engine room fires?

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requires the proper insulation of surfaces with temperatures of 220 degrees Celsius and above, such as exhaust gas manifold casings, indicator valve shields, and lagging pads, to prevent the risk of fire.

How do exhaust gas manifold casings and indicator valve shields degrade over time?

These components degrade due to vibration, repeated heating and cooling, or disassembly and refitting during maintenance, making them more vulnerable to leaks and fires.

What issues arise with padded soft lagging mats?

Padded soft lagging mats may become soaked with flammable fluids due to minor seepage or splash over, increasing the potential for fire when in contact with high-temperature surfaces.

Why is engine room cleanliness essential for fire prevention?

A clean engine room minimizes the risk of oil stains, dirty bilges, and makeshift solutions that could catch fire. Proper housekeeping and the elimination of oil leaks are crucial for preventing engine room fires.

What common issues are found with fire doors in engine rooms?

Fire doors are often found tied open, with torn or missing seals, or malfunctioning self-closing devices, which compromise their ability to contain fires and limit damage.

What is the importance of maintaining fuel pipe quick closing valves?

Quick closing valves on fuel pipes must be operational to quickly stop the flow of fuel during a fire. If these valves are wedged open or malfunction, they may not perform their function in an emergency.

What risks do oil-soaked rags and cotton waste pose in the engine room?

Oil-soaked rags and cotton waste present a fire risk because they can ignite from sparks during welding or grinding, or they may self-heat and ignite spontaneously.