Awareness: CO₂ flooding system activation points
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 December 2016
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 35/16
- 1 minute read
A member has highlighted a potential gap in safety awareness which may be of interest to members.
One of their vessels has a CO2 flooding system activation point within the main CO2 bottle room – however, there are no warnings or procedural guidance on the use of Breathing Apparatus (BA) within the main CO2 bottle room when operating the system.
Our member drew the following lessons:
- When activating flooding systems there is a chance that CO2 may leak into the space itself, either directly from the cylinders and/or associated piping. As such, the space may quickly fill with CO2 presenting a hazardous atmosphere to persons inside.
- Therefore, after seeking guidance from the maritime fire-fighting school, our member recommended the use of BA whenever.
- entering the CO2 cylinder space after activating the system from a remote point.
- when activation of the CO2 system is required from within the CO2 cylinder space itself, or
- whenever undertaking drills within the CO2 cylinder space.
- Steps were taken to review relevant vessel specific procedures and, where required, update them to include guidance on the use of BA equipment in CO2 cylinder rooms/spaces.
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