Near-miss: Failure to reconnect fire suppression systems
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 April 2014
- Generated on 14 June 2025
- IMCA SF 04/14
- 2 minute read
A member has reported an incident in which it was discovered that key components of a fire suppression system had been left disconnected after a dry docking period.
What happened?
The omission was discovered when a crew member was undertaking a ‘routine’ tour of the vessel and noticed that a cylinder from the FM200 Fire Suppression System was disconnected. This was immediately reported, and upon further investigation, 6 out of 10 FM200 cylinders were found to be disconnected. All cylinders were immediately reinstated to operational status, both the integrity and readiness of the system was also confirmed.
During the incident investigation, it was discovered that the corresponding Isolation Confirmation Certificate (ICC), which would have highlighted the system’s inoperative state, could not be found. The extended period isolation register stated that the system had been reinstated, with ‘Original paper work missing’ written in the comments section. It is assumed the contractor returned the cylinders to their original locations, without reconnecting them, as the vessel was still in dry dock, and it was a yard requirement that the system remained isolated during dry docking.
Our member drew the following lessons:
- There was insufficient management and control of the work task.
- There was insufficient detail in planned maintenance work orders.
- There was insufficient detail in area safety inspection checklists.
- There was insufficient management and control of the Safe System of Work.
Our member took the following actions:
- Developed and implemented a new vessel return to service procedure (for post dry dockings and maintenance periods).
- Reviewed planned maintenance routines for FM200 Fire Suppression Systems and similar systems, to ensure controls and checks are suitable and sufficient.
- Developed a Safety Officer Safety Inspections checklist.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
-
IMCA SF 07/11
19 July 2011
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.