Small fire caused by toaster in mess room
- Safety Flash
- Published on 7 July 2006
- Generated on 3 June 2026
- IMCA SF 09/06
- 1 minute read
IMCA has received a report on a small fire which occurred in the mess room of a production platform.
What happened?
A plastic tray had been left on top of a conveyor toaster. A member of the crew entered the mess room, plugged in and turned on the toaster. The tray was not taken off of the top of the toaster. The person then left the mess room without turning off the toaster. Subsequently the plastic tray holding the bread melted and caught fire.
The fire was successfully extinguished with a dry powder extinguisher and there were no injuries.
The following lessons were drawn from the incident:
- Ensure that no items are placed on top of this type of toaster even when not in use.
- Consider the use of guards and/or signs.
- When this type of toaster is in use, the user should remain in attendance and switch it off before leaving.
- Consider the suitability of certain types of toaster for a given location.
- Crew should be reminded about the need for basic safety awareness even when engaged in everyday domestic tasks.
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.