Fire inside Falcom steamer
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 September 2003
- Generated on 24 August 2025
- IMCA SF 11/03
- 2 minute read
We have received a report of an incident which began when a night cook baker, returning to the galley after his break, smelt burning.
What happened?
He then noticed that there was smoke coming from the top of the steamer. He then informed the facilities manager, who accompanied the baker to the galley to investigate. The manager slowly opened the steamer door and could see that the elements on the base of the steamer were glowing red. A fire then ignited. The manager immediately closed the door to contain the fire within the stainless steel unit and then switched off the power from the main control panel.
The fire was extinguished by starving it from oxygen. The OIM was informed immediately and assessed that the machine was made safe and an investigation would be completed.
Investigation showed that there was a blockage in the pipe that feeds the water into tank and unit. There was no system that warned of lack of water to the unit and no fail-safe, e.g. the thermostat cut-off to the elements.
The company’s subsequent recommendations were as follows:
- A daily visual check to be made to ensure water is flowing freely to the units.
- Contact manufacturers to enquire if a fail-safe device could be installed within this unit.
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.