Small fire following hot work
- Safety Flash
- Published on 18 January 2023
- Generated on 14 July 2025
- IMCA SF 03/23
- 2 minute read
On a Member’s vessel alongside, a small fire broke out following hot work conducted by the Client’s welding sub-contractors
What happened?
The incident occurred during the welding of jumper stands on the main deck. After completing their work, the welders left the vessel without notifying the bridge, and the Permit to Work was closed.
Shortly thereafter, an AB discovered smoke coming from a rag left over the welded area. The small fire was extinguished with a bucket of water.
There was no damage to equipment, no consequences, and no-one was harmed.
smouldering rag was found at place marked by red ring
What went wrong?
- There was inadequate communication between the third-party welders and the vessel crew.
- There was no joint inspection (by vessel crew and third-party welders) of the work before the welders left the vessel and the Permit to Work was closed.
- There was no fire watch.
What went right?
- There was a Permit to Work for the operation.
- The small fire was discovered by an observant AB and was easily extinguished.
Lessons learned
- Closer liaison with third-party contractors to ensure understanding of requirements for:
- monitoring of work
- opening and closing of Permits to Work.
- monitoring of work
- Ensure joint inspection and agreed acceptance of work done by third-party contractors before allowing them to leave or closing Permits to Work.
- Ensure fire watches are set.
Related safety flashes
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IMCA SF 10/21
8 April 2021
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IMCA SF 25/19
28 October 2019
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IMCA SF 02/10
8 April 2010
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