IMCA safety flash reports of an incident where several engine fuel hose connections were not fitted with splash tapes.
What happened?
During inspection of a several newly delivered vessels, it was observed that several engine fuel hose connections were not fitted with splash tapes. Similar issues had also been reported on older vessels elsewhere; splash tapes were either missing or removed during maintenance and not subsequently reinstalled.
These omissions pose a significant fire hazard in case of fuel seepage or leakage.
Why is this happening?
- Installation of splash tapes has been overlooked during commissioning and delivery of new vessels.
- On older vessels, crew sometimes remove splash tapes during maintenance and then for whatever reason, the splash tapes are not reinstalled.
- Insufficient verification and follow-up checks in maintenance and handover routines.
What can we learn?
- Develop a deeper understanding and awareness of the importance of splash tapes in fire prevention. Splash tapes are critical and essential. They prevent fuel spray or mist from escaping and reaching hot surfaces, reducing fire risk.
- Because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s safe: check carefully with new-builds that key safety details are in place – assume nothing. Thorough site acceptance inspection and testing is important.
- Restore everything the way it was after maintenance: splash tapes, covers, lids, bolts, anything and everything. If necessary, develop and use a check list to ensure this is done.
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Source: IMCA
