Safety Flash
Fatal engine room fire on suction dredger Arco Avon
Fatal engine room fire on suction dredger Arco Avon
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 24/16
- Hot Work and FireHydrocarbon ReleasePermit to Work
- FireMechanical failurePressure systemsRisk management
- Hot workInspection and maintenance
- Grinding equipmentProcess pipework and pipelines
- Permit to workRisk assessment
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
This flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal engine-room fire aboard Arco Avon during sand loading. An engineer attempting fuel-pipe repair used a portable angle grinder before pressurised fuel ignited. Missing risk assessment and permit authorisation were identified as possible contributors to his underestimation of risk.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Grinding equipment; angle grinder; grinding wheel.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Pressurised fuel ignited while an engineer used an angle grinder to repair a failed pipe without a risk assessment or permit.
IMCA SF 24/16. Themes: hot work and fire, hydrocarbon release, permit to work.