Condition of fire-fighting installation and equipment
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 August 2021
- Generated on 24 April 2026
- IMCA SF 24/21
- 1 minute read
A member highlights two instances of fire-fighting equipment not being in an appropriate condition.
What happened?
Blocked sprinklers and nozzles
It was observed that the nozzles of the fire main piping system in the paint and chemical storage facilities were blocked by cans of paints and chemicals.
There had been no adequate visual inspection of the paint locker with respect to the fire fighting sprinklers, and as a consequence, the nozzles and sprinklers were obstructed.
Members may wish to conduct a specific hazard-hunt or inspection of fire-fighting equipment inspection, particularly sprinklers and nozzles, and particularly in poorly lit or less-often visited spaces on the vessel.
nozzles of the fire main piping system were blocked by cans of paints and chemicals
There had been no adequate visual inspection of the paint locker
CO2 release station in poor condition
During an inspection it was observed that components of the CO2 release station were corroded, and the CO2 release station instructions were faded and not clearly legible.
Members may wish to check equipment such as this, that may be rarely or irregularly inspected, to ensure it is in workable and usable condition.
components of the CO2 release station were corroded
CO2 release station instructions were faded and not clearly legible
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 04/21
2 February 2021
-
IMCA SF 03/20
30 January 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 09/19
3 May 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 04/19
12 March 2019
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.