CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 18 Fire Q3

Standing Orders: Fire in Machinery Spaces

1. Immediate Actions:

• Raise the Alarm:
  • The person discovering the fire must immediately raise the fire alarm and inform the bridge.
  • State the location and nature of the fire clearly.
• Muster the Fire Party:
  • All crew members must proceed to their assigned muster stations as per the muster list.
  • The fire party, led by the designated fire team leader, will assemble at the fire control station and prepare to combat the fire.

2. Initial Response:

• Assess the Situation: The fire team leader will assess the situation, identify the type and extent of the fire, and determine the appropriate firefighting strategy.
• Isolate the Fire:
  • Stop any machinery or equipment in the affected area.
  • Close all fuel and oil valves, ventilation dampers, and fire doors to contain the fire and prevent its spread.
• Initial Attack:
  • Use portable fire extinguishers for small, localized fires.
  • If the fire is spreading or cannot be controlled with portable extinguishers, prepare to activate the fixed fire suppression system (CO2, foam, etc.).

3. CO2 Release (if applicable):

• Evacuate Personnel: Ensure all personnel have evacuated the machinery spaces and a headcount is conducted.
• Secure the Space: Close all access points, ventilation flaps, and other openings to create an airtight seal.
• Notify the Bridge: Inform the bridge team about the imminent CO2 release and confirm evacuation.
• Release CO2: Follow the specific procedures for activating the CO2 flooding system.
• Maintain Isolation: Keep the space sealed for the required duration (refer to system instructions) to allow the CO2 to extinguish the fire.

4. Boundary Cooling:

• Cool Adjacent Areas: Use water hoses or other cooling methods to cool down bulkheads, decks, and other boundaries surrounding the fire to prevent its spread.

5. Re-entry and Ventilation:

• Atmospheric Testing: After the required isolation period, conduct thorough atmospheric testing to ensure safe oxygen levels and the absence of toxic gases before re-entry.
• Ventilation: Ventilate the space adequately before allowing personnel to enter without breathing apparatus.
• Cautious Re-entry: Personnel entering the space should wear appropriate PPE, including SCBA if necessary, and proceed with caution, monitoring for any signs of re-flash or smoldering.

6. Post-Fire Actions:

• Investigate the Cause: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Damage Assessment: Assess the extent of damage to machinery, equipment, and the ship’s structure.
• Repairs and Restoration: Initiate necessary repairs and restoration work to bring the machinery spaces back to operational condition.

Additional Considerations:

• Training and Drills: Conduct regular fire drills and training exercises to ensure that all crew members are familiar with emergency procedures and can respond effectively in case of a fire.
• Emergency Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication channels between the engine room, bridge, and other departments throughout the incident.
• Record Keeping: Document all actions taken during the fire incident in the engine room logbook and other relevant records.

Disclaimer: These are general standing orders and may need to be adapted to the specific vessel, its machinery, and its safety management system. Always follow the ship’s specific emergency procedures and any relevant regulations or instructions from authorities.

Within machinery spaces, you’ll commonly find these types of portable fire extinguishers, each designed for specific classes of fire:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers:
   • Class of Fire: Primarily used on Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires.   1. Top 5 Things to Know about Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers – Blog – Koorsen Fire & Security blog.koorsen.com
   • Why: CO2 displaces oxygen, effectively suffocating the fire. It’s non-conductive, making it ideal for electrical fires, and leaves no residue, crucial for sensitive machinery.   1. CO2 Fire Extinguishers: Everything You Need to Know chilman.com2. Carbon Dioxide Systems | Lafayette, IN – Official Website lafayette.in.gov
2. Dry Powder Extinguishers:
   • Class of Fire: Effective on Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires, and some can also be used on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires.
   • Why: The powder creates a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, interrupting the combustion process. It’s versatile and widely available.   1. Types of fire extinguisher guide – Surrey Fire & Safety Ltd surreyfire.co.uk
3. Foam Extinguishers:
   • Class of Fire: Primarily used on Class B (flammable liquid) fires.
   • Why: Foam forms a blanket over the burning liquid, preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel and suppressing the fire.   1. What are Foam Fire Extinguishers Used For? – Fire and Safety Centre www.fireandsafetycentre.co.uk
4. Water Mist Extinguishers:
   • Class of Fire: Can be used on Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and even some Class C (electrical) fires if they are specifically designed for it.   1. Fire Extinguisher Types Guide – Safelincs www.safelincs.co.uk
   • Why: The fine water mist cools the fire and displaces oxygen, while minimizing water damage compared to traditional water extinguishers.   1. Water Mist Fire Extinguishment – How Does It Work? – iMist Ltd. www.imist.com

Important Considerations:

• Machinery Space Risks: Machinery spaces often contain a mix of flammable liquids (fuel, oil), electrical equipment, and combustible materials, so having extinguishers suitable for all these classes is essential.
• Accessibility and Placement: Extinguishers should be readily accessible and strategically placed throughout the machinery spaces for quick response in case of a fire.
• Training: Crew members must be trained in the proper use of different extinguisher types and the specific fire hazards they might encounter in the machinery spaces.
• Maintenance and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers are vital to ensure their readiness and effectiveness in an emergency.   1. Importance of Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspections – Fire Security Services www.firesecurity.co.nz

Remember, selecting the right type of extinguisher and using it correctly is crucial for effectively combating fires and preventing them from escalating into major incidents.