Safety Flash
Starting air system incident
Starting air system incident
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/05
- ExplosionInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- ExplosionMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenancePressure testing
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Pressure reliefPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
An explosion damaged a vessel’s starting-air system during management system trials. Investigation identified accumulated compressor lubricating oil and ignition through engine starting valves, with non-return valves and flame arrestors absent. The flash describes reinstatement testing and flushing, alongside longer-term commitments to filtration, maintenance review and protective-device design review.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A Member has reported an incident which occurred during vessel management system trials, whereby an overpressure event occurred in the starboard engine room air start system.
IMCA SF 05/05. Themes: explosion, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.