Safety Flash
Fire in diesel generator following tests
Fire in diesel generator following tests
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 18/23
- Contractor ManagementHot Work and FireInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- FireMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Rotating machinery
- Contractor managementFire protectionFunctional testingOperational supervision
- Marine industry
- Port and quaysideVessel
Summary
A vessel’s diesel generator caught fire during operational-speed testing after alternator bearing replacement in port. A misaligned bearing cover caused shaft friction and sparking; insufficient contractor supervision was considered the root cause. The flash emphasises thorough supervision and post-maintenance testing beyond idling speed.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Port and quayside; quayside; harbour; harbor.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
In the engine room of a vessel in port, fire broke out in a diesel generator undergoing maintenance by a third-party team; the generator was brought to a stop and the fire was put out
IMCA SF 18/23. Themes: contractor management, hot work and fire, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.