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What happened?
On a multi-engine vessel work had been carried out to replace a sheared bolt on a turbocharger on one of the engines.
The next day, the engine was made ready before leaving port.
While performing post-maintenance checks, an engineer smelled non-exhaust gas smoke coming from the repaired engine.
Supervisors were informed and the engine was shut down.
The engineer noticed smoke coming from between the turbochargers of the engine, followed quickly by a small flame.
The water mist fire protection system and the fuel quick closing valve (QCV) were activated.
The fire was extinguished and the system was stopped.
A small glow was noticed – removing the exhaust shield, workers found the remains of a rag.
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Why did it happen?
The incident was caused by the small rag left after routine maintenance in an area of high temperature.
The area had limited visibility which meant it was difficult to see items of equipment.
The fire did not escalate due to the prompt actions of the crew and the lack of further combustibles.
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What did they learn?
Review onboard risk assessments and include the following as part of the control measures:
- Engine room housekeeping should be reviewed and monitored to ensure no combustible materials are left around (i.e. rags, gloves, absorbent pads).
- An engineer should be present when starting up any machinery or system post-maintenance, to ensure that the area is safe.
- Thoroughly check work areas and enforce a rigid sign-off procedure, particularly in high risk areas.
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Ask yourself or your crew
How can you ensure that all equipment is collected at the end of a maintenance task?
What does your checklist include at the end of a planned maintenance task?
What would you do if you spotted a piece of equipment that was out of place?
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What happened?
On a multi-engine vessel work had been carried out to replace a sheared bolt on a turbocharger on one of the engines.
The next day, the engine was made ready before leaving port.
While performing post-maintenance checks, an engineer smelled non-exhaust gas smoke coming from the repaired engine.
Supervisors were informed and the engine was shut down.
The engineer noticed smoke coming from between the turbochargers of the engine, followed quickly by a small flame.
The water mist fire protection system and the fuel quick closing valve (QCV) were activated.
The fire was extinguished and the system was stopped.
A small glow was noticed – removing the exhaust shield, workers found the remains of a rag.
Why did it happen?
The incident was caused by the small rag left after routine maintenance in an area of high temperature.
The area had limited visibility which meant it was difficult to see items of equipment.
The fire did not escalate due to the prompt actions of the crew and the lack of further combustibles.
What did they learn?
Review onboard risk assessments and include the following as part of the control measures:
- Engine room housekeeping should be reviewed and monitored to ensure no combustible materials are left around (i.e. rags, gloves, absorbent pads).
- An engineer should be present when starting up any machinery or system post-maintenance, to ensure that the area is safe.
- Thoroughly check work areas and enforce a rigid sign-off procedure, particularly in high risk areas.
Ask yourself or your crew
How can you ensure that all equipment is collected at the end of a maintenance task?
What does your checklist include at the end of a planned maintenance task?
What would you do if you spotted a piece of equipment that was out of place?
A vessel had maintenance work carried on one of the engines. The next day, a worker smelled smoke and saw a flame coming from the repaired engine. A rag had been left behind the exhaust shield.
