Safety Flash
Cargo Ignited on Truck Bed During Transportation
Cargo Ignited on Truck Bed During Transportation
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 22/20
- Hazardous SubstancesHot Work and FireVehicles and Driving
- FireHazardous substances
- Cargo transferVehicles and driving
- Fire protectionIgnition source controlPositive retention and reliable securingPre-use checks
- Marine industry
Summary
A truck carrying materials from a warehouse to a vessel experienced a cargo fire, extinguished by the driver without injury or truck damage. The ignition source remained undetermined. Concerns included unsecured cargo, flammable hand sanitiser and inadequate segregation. Recommendations address packaging, securing, load integrity checks and eliminating potential ignition sources before travel.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Cargo transfer; cargo handling.
Classifications: Vehicles and driving; driving; road transport.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
There was a fire in the cargo on the back of a truck whilst moving materials from the warehouse to the vessel. Whilst in transit, the driver observed flames coming from the truck bed. He stopped the vehicle and used the vehicle fire extinguisher to tackle the fire. He was successful, despite very strong winds, and then returned to the warehouse safely. No injuries to personnel, no damage to truck.
IMCA SF 22/20. Themes: hazardous substances, hot work and fire, vehicles and driving.