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Fire inside Falcom steamer
We have received a report of an incident which began when a night cook baker, returning to the galley after his break, smelt burning. 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.
Safety Event
Published: 1 September 2003
Download: 
IMCA SF 11/03
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