Potential for fire from misuse of a coffee thermos
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 June 2003
- Generated on 12 February 2026
- IMCA SF 05/03
- 1 minute read
Not all incidents seem to be of extreme significance, but the smallest errors can lead to disastrous consequences.
What happened?
An incorrect connection on a coffee cup heater has led to the loss of accommodation on a large bulk carrier in the past.
In this instance, a plastic coffee thermos container was placed on a hot plate. The container involved appeared to be stainless steel on its sides, but the bottom was black plastic. There was no sign of fire, but the bottom was melted from being placed on the hot plate.
The company involved has noted that only glass coffee containers should be used on such hot plates and, more generally, that all employees need to be aware of potential fire hazards and need to report them to relevant senior colleagues.
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