In January 2016, MFAME reported about a fatality due to fire extinguisher explosion. We invite our readers to read it again to be aware of the accident – Click Here.
Here is one more safety alert with regard to fire extinguisher failures.
A member has reported a near miss incident in which a fire extinguisher failed due to corrosion of the internal stem. The failure was discovered during inspections of fire extinguishers during a mobilisation. Corrosion had taken place where the brass fitting connected to the aluminium stem. The extinguisher was relatively new and this was its first inspection.
On removal of the pillar valve, the technician noticed an unusual amount of corrosion around the internal female brass fitting connecting the aluminium stem to the internal male thread of the pillar valve. The technician touched the stem and it fell apart at the corroded area. The internal inspection of the cylinder found that it was in good condition with no signs of corrosion.
We would like to increase the awareness and remind our readers of the corrosion potential with dissimilar metals, particularly in the case of pressure vessels.
We would like to hear from high-esteemed Ship Managers and the readers of this alert about:
- What other tips would you offer for enhanced safety of fire extinguishers itself?
- How sure are you about the shore technicians report or inspection on fire extinguishers?
- What barriers your good Management has to prevent such re-occurances?
Do not hesitate to share a case or interesting tip with us.
Write to us at experts@mfame.guru or feel free to comment below!
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Disclaimer: The above information is an extract from IMCA safety alert. This is to raise the safety awareness and not to be constructed as a news or a report against any specific fire extinguisher maker or manufacturer. MFAME is not responsible/liable to any such claims.
