Companies should review the placement and labelling of fuel quick-closing valves and assess the operation of fire dampers, the Norwegian Maritime Authority highlights in a new safety notice, following a fire on a Norwegian vessel.
In this accident, the quick-closing valves were used to shut off the diesel supply to the auxiliary and main machinery. However, the control handles for the quickclosing valves for the emergency generator were located in the same cabinet, leading to the unintended shut-down of the emergency generator.
On the same vessel, handles for closing fire dampers were located within a partially enclosed area. As a result, crew members tasked with closing the dampers had to enter a smoke-filled area, exposing themselves to smoke and requiring medical attention.
Corrective measures
The Norwegian Maritime Authority recommends that companies assess and improve the location and labelling of quickclosing valves. More specifically, quick-closing valves for the emergency generator should be positioned separately from those controlling the auxiliary and main machinery.
Additionally, it is crucial that the crew members are familiar with the location and operation of these systems during inspections and drills. Alarm instructions should align with the procedures practised during on-board drills.
The Authority advises companies and ship designers to position fire damper controls in a way that minimises the risk of smoke exposure. For existing vessels, they recommend identifying potential risk areas and implementing corrective measures as necessary. During on-board fire drills, particular attention should be given to any areas that may lead to smoke exposure for the crew members.
– Regulations of 1 January 2005 No. 8 on the working environment, health and safety of persons working on board ship section 2-2
– (1) Hazards on board shall be identified. When the hazard has been identified, an assessment of the risk represented by the hazard shall be made. (…)
– (3) If a risk to the safety and health of persons working on board is identified, the necessary measures shall be taken to eliminate or reduce the hazards.
– (4) If a risk cannot be avoided in any other way, appropriate personal protective equipment shall be made available and shall be used.
– ISM Code chapter 8, cf. Regulations of 5 September 2014 No. 1191 on a safety management system for Norwegian ships and mobile offshore units Regulations of 16 December 2016 No. 1770 on safety management for small cargo ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, etc section 7
