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Wrong key for the CO2 room
What happened
During a weekly inspection it was revealed that the key for the CO2 fixed firefighting system compartment, which was stored in a break glass box adjacent to the entrance, did not fit the padlock – it was the wrong key. This could have lead to unavailability of access to the CO2 fire-fighting activation panel in the event of an emergency.
Causes
- Lack of awareness and non-compliance with both regulatory and company requirements.
- Lack of emergency preparedness
What was the action?
A new padlock and key were installed, with the key in the break glass box alongside.
Members might care to have a thorough check of all very rarely used keys, switches, buttons et cetera, particularly those that would be used in an emergency.
Consider, what one small rarely used thing, if missing, could cause the most serious potential harm to crew and equipment in an emergency?
Members may wish to refer to
- Fixed CO2 fire extinguishing systems – US Coast Guard alert
- Awareness: CO₂ flooding system activation points
- Deliberate failure to follow instructions: unsafe/quarantined tools brought back into use
- Two incidents relating to the condition of personal protective equipment
- Poor condition of on-board equipment
- Unsafe actions and conditions – inhibited alarm buttons
- Hazard hunt: fire dampers and fixed firefighting systems
Safety Event
Published: 31 August 2021
Download: 
IMCA SF 24/21
IMCA Safety Flashes
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