Safety Digest -How to prevent Engine Room fires

Engine room fires are often very challenging to deal with, due to the construction of the room and a plentiful supply of the fire triangle elements: heat, fuel and oxygen. A major engine room fire can have destructive consequences and, in the aftermath, it’s unlikely for a ship to continue under her own power.

SOURCES OF IGNITION IN ENGINE ROOM
The following heat sources are most likely to start a fire in the engine room:
– hot exhaust pipes
– engine surfaces
– bearings of rotating machinery heating up
– defunct or dangerous use of electrical or welding equipment.
– Insulation of exhaust pipes is often found to be defective, especially in the vicinity of the diesel engines, where removal of insulation is
needed during engine maintenance. Also, flange connections and steel supports of exhaust pipes may often be inadequately insulated,
as well as indicators and other instruments fitted.

SOLAS Ch II‐2 Regulation 4 para 2.2.6 instructs that surfaces with temperatures above 220°C should be properly insulated.

– According to reports, up to 70% of all engine room fires appear to have started out by fuel leaks. It is important to have good maintenance systems in order to reduce the risk of oil leaks.
– Electrical installations will always represent a certain risk of sparks and fire, although the risk is reduced by the use of quality safety devices and close adherence to valid regulations.

HOW TO PREVENT ENGINE ROOM FIRES
Particular attention should be given to the cleanliness of the engine room:
– High standards of cleanliness should be kept at all time as they are crucial for fire prevention.
– No oils or oily rags should be allowed close to heat sources, such as boilers and the main engine’s or A/E exhaust systems.
– Used material such as plastic sheets, wooden planks, used paint tins, etc., should not be stored in engine room or any fire prone areas.
– All combustible materials should be discarded, along with any outdated equipment that may hinder access in a fire situation. – Tank tops and bilges shall always be kept clean.
– Special focus should be paid to possible fire risks while repairs are carried out or directly afterwards.
– Oftentimes after maintenance work, the available time to get the ship back to operation can be insufficient, and the refitting of removed insulation is often left to be completed by the crew during the voyage.

ENSURING PROPER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION:
Proper maintenance and inspection of the engine room is a key element in avoiding a serious and possibly life‐threatening event. The officers and crew should have their continual attention and check frequently that:
– there is no leakage of oil in the engine room
– all repairs carried out to oil pipes are permanent.
– the quick closing valves and fire dampers are in good condition and properly functioning.
– the engine alarm system is fully properly maintained and operable.
– the fixed firefighting installations are properly maintained and armed.
– all combustible materials are stored only in designated areas.
– all connections in electrical installations are in good condition.
– the automatic closing mechanisms on all fire doors within and at the boundaries of the engine room are working correctly
– the insulation covering hot surfaces is in good condition
– escape routes are clearly marked by using deck plate arrows and that exit doors are visible