This safety alert, issued by the Marine Safety Forum (MSF), describes an onboard incident in which a crew member sustained a burn injury while using laundry equipment. The report aims to highlight operational hazards and share preventative measures.
What Happened
While performing laundry duties, a crew member opened a tumble dryer before the drying cycle had finished. Upon reaching inside, their left lower arm came into contact with the heated door frame, resulting in a minor burn.
Why It Happened
The incident occurred because the tumble dryer was opened during the active drying process, before the cooling cycle had completed. Manufacturer specifications indicated that internal temperatures could reach up to 80°C during operation. Vessel testing confirmed that immediately after opening mid-cycle, the door frame temperature measured 80.2°C and remained above 60°C for approximately two and a half minutes.
At these temperatures, second-degree burns can occur depending on contact time and surface material. In contrast, after a full drying and cooling cycle, the door frame temperature was measured at a safer 40°C.
Actions Taken
The incident was circulated across the operator’s fleet to raise awareness. Warning signs were placed on tumble dryers instructing the crew not to open the machine until the cycle finishes. The laundry-related risk assessment was updated to reflect the hazard of residual heat.
Lessons Learned
- Always allow laundry equipment to complete both the drying and cooling phases before opening.
- Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions to prevent exposure to high temperatures.
- Conduct temperature checks and hazard assessments for onboard equipment.
- Use clear signage to communicate operational hazards to the crew.
- Include laundry machinery safety in routine crew training and risk briefings.
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Source: Marine Safety Forum
