Accidental activation of expired pyrotechnics (hand flare)
- Safety Flash
- Published on 9 July 2018
- Generated on 14 May 2026
- IMCA SF 14/18
- 1 minute read
During a vessel dry dock, smoke was observed coming from a forepeak store, which was also accessible from the mess room.
What happened?
Expired hand flare pyrotechnics, boxed and packed up for landing ashore, had been accidentally activated by yard personnel on board for cleaning and chipping the chain locker.
The alarm was raised and the necessary steps were taken for the safety of the crew and yard personnel.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- Procedures were not followed:
- the third-party contractor personnel had been briefed regarding the company’s safety management system (SMS) but this incident still took place.
- where third-party personnel are working, the area should be thoroughly checked for any unsafe practices that can take place.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- It was noted that since the forepeak store was also a provision store with access from the mess room, the risk of theft or pilferage could not be neglected.
- The expired pyrotechnics were sent back to the approved vendor.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 14/14
7 August 2014
-
IMCA SF 13/12
11 December 2012
-
IMCA SF 13/01
1 November 2001
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.