Safety Flash
Cracked fuel line results in an engine fire
Cracked fuel line results in an engine fire
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 08/03
- Hot Work and FireHydrocarbon ReleaseInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- FireHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Emergency responseFire protectionPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A vessel engine-room fire involved a hairline crack in a fuel line and fuel ignition from exhaust-manifold heat. The mechanic extinguished the fire with CO2. Investigation identified deficient inspection and maintenance and inadequate design, prompting daily fuel-line examinations, clamp and torque checks, and installation of double-coated fuel lines.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A cracked engine fuel line sprayed fuel onto hot exhaust components, causing a fire and prompting improved inspection and replacement measures.
IMCA SF 08/03. Themes: hot work and fire, hydrocarbon release, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.