Small fire caused by toaster in mess room

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 7 July 2006
  • Generated on 6 December 2025
  • 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.

Fire damage to toaster

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.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Vessel ran aground

A vessel on a short voyage ran aground while navigating through a narrow channel at low tide.

Read more
Fire in the engine room – fuel spray fire

A fire broke out on the starboard main engine due to a leak from the fuel pipe connection.

Read more
Fire hazard: missing splash tapes on fuel hose connections

It was observed that several engine fuel hose connections were not fitted with splash tapes.

Read more
Dropped pallet during cargo transfer

A plastic pallet loaded with plastic lube oil drums fell while being hoisted.

Read more
Positive – Enhancing safety communication through digital monitors

All crew and office personnel have 24/7 access to essential safety and operational updates.

Read more

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.