Fire Prevention Program

Below are the effective practices and programs in fire prevention:

• Training - the education of crew members may be difficult and at times, frustrating, but it is program. It must be a continuing process that includes both formal training sessions and informal discussions. No opportunity should be missed and no effort spared to develop an awareness of fire safety. The objective of this training should be taught every crew member to think fire prevention: formal training and informal training. 

• Good Housekeeping -  Basically this means cleanliness. However, from the fire prevention standpoint it means the elimination of sources of fuel for fires, that is the elimination of fire “breeding grounds.”  These and other housekeeping problem areas are listed below. Almost every one of them can be eliminated with minimum effort. 

1. Cleaning rags and waste should be stored in covered metal containers.
2. Accumulation of oil rags should be placed in covered metal containers and discarded as soon as possible.
3. Accumulation of packaging materials should be disposed off immediately.
4. Dunnage should only be stored in proper area.
5. Accumulations of sawdust (especially oil or chemical-soaked saw dust), wood chips or shaving should be disposed properly.
6. Accumulation of flammables in crew or passenger quarters should be avoided.
7. Oil-soaked clothing or other flammables should never be stored in crew lockers.
8. Paints, varnish and so forth should be stored in the paint locker when not in use ever overnight.
9. Leaks in product, fuel oil or lubricating oil piping and spilled oil or grease should be cleaned up; also oil in bilges or on tank tops and floor plates.
10. Kerosene and solvents should be stored in appropriate containers and in approved locations.
11. Oil burner cleaning substances should not be left in open containers in the boiler room.

• Elimination and Control of Ignition Sources - As was pointed out, cleanliness can eliminate sources of shipboard fires. Good training, a good attitude and alertness can assist immeasurably in eliminating another necessary ingredient of fires, namely, the source of heat or ignition. 

These can be eliminated by:

1. Not smoking in restricted  areas; discarding ashes, butts and matches carefully using only safety matches on tank vessel, closely observing longshoremen working in holds.
2. Not overloading electrical circuits; protecting circuits with the proper fuses or circuit breakers; proper maintenance and repair of electrical equipment; following instruction and regulations for wiring. 
3. Keeping flammable materials clear of steam pipes, light bulbs and other sources of ignition.
4. Thoroughly cleaning cargo holds before any cargo is loaded. Otherwise there is possible mixing of incompatible cargos such as vegetable oil and fibers and causing fire through spontaneous ignition. 

Please note of the common causes of fire, you may read my blog about causes of fire by clicking the highlighted text.