Clogged tumble-dryer exhaust fan – potential for fire
- Safety Flash
- Published on 21 December 2022
- Generated on 5 February 2026
- IMCA SF 29/22
- 2 minute read
During a weekly inspection of the laundry room on a vessel, rags and lint twisted together were found in the exhaust fan of one of the dryers.
What happened?
Further investigation revealed more accumulated lint in the dryers’ outlet exhaust pipe. When the end of the outlet pipe was removed to check the inside, it was found to be almost completely blocked with lint.
Our member notes that it would only have taken a small spark, short circuit or static electricity inside the drying machine for there to have been a fire.
What went wrong?
There was no regular checking or cleaning of filters and exhaust ducting. Build-up of dust and residue inside the exhaust ducting could have caused the safe operational temperature limits of the dryer to be exceeded, with the possible consequence of a fire.
What needs to be done
- Ensure regular check and clean of tumble dryer exhausts and filters.
- Regular check of ventilation pipes and systems which may create lint traps where lint accumulates over a long period of time, creating a potential fire hazard.
- Ensure design and installation of tumble dryers enables easy and full access to exhaust ducting and filters.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 18/18
23 August 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 03/18
31 January 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 07/16
31 March 2016
-
IMCA SF 03/16
27 January 2016
-
IMCA SF 16/17
27 June 2017
-
IMCA SF 16/09
10 November 2009
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.