Housekeeping

Like all fire prevention, that in machinery spaces is primarily about good housekeeping.

♦ Never leave flammable materials near a heat source. Paint, thinners, varnishes, turpentine and cleaning fluids all present serious hazards and should never be stored in the engine room.

♦ Any accumulation of oil-based substances - in the bilge, for instance - is potentially dangerous. Make sure they are kept clean.

♦ This also applies to oily rags, damp cotton waste, and metal swarf which in the right conditions can spontaneously ignite. Clear up metal shavings especially if coated in oil. In a fire, they will burn with immense ferocity.

♦ Filters must be properly maintained to prevent oil and grease collecting in compressed air lines.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is as essential in a machinery room as anywhere else, but maintenance presents particular fire hazards in machinery spaces. Removing protective lagging exposes hot surfaces which become a potential source of ignition. If left unattended, even for a few minutes, a fire could result. Temporary repairs using non-standard components - or those that do not meet the specification - may produce the conditions needed for a fire, even using an incorrect lubricant can lead to overheating. It is especially important to follow the service instructions when changing oil filters as these operate under pressure. If they are not properly isolated, then you risk oil spraying out over a wide area, which could result in a sudden flash fire. Ensure that you have the proper tools and authorisation before starting any kind of job. For example, hot work will require a hot work permit or you may need to arrange for oil or electrical feeds to be isolated before you start work.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-26