Safety Flash
Fire: Spontaneous combustion of towels
Fire: Spontaneous combustion of towels
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 03/16
- Hot Work and Fire
- Fire
- Contractor managementFire protectionOperating and work proceduresSafety communication
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Two incidents involved spontaneous combustion of oil-contaminated galley towels after tumble drying and folding. The flash explains oxidation and retained heat, describes extinguishing actions, and presents lessons on thorough washing, drying temperatures, cooling before storage, lint removal and staff briefings. One incident occurred aboard an offshore vessel.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Oil-contaminated towels ignited after being heated, folded and stored with insufficient cooling or ventilation.
IMCA SF 03/16. Themes: hot work and fire.