In the fourth and final case of Swedish Club’s casebook with four different case studies related to fire, an incident is presented where hot work caused container fire.
The incident
Acontainer vessel was awaiting instructions for when to enter the port. During the wait the Chief Officer made the decision to carry out repairs to the cell guides in one of the cargo holds. The engine fitter and an AB began to prepare the welding job for the cell guides.
Before the welding commenced a risk assessment and hot work permit were completed. As per the hot work permit, fire extinguishers were in place and one AB was the designated fire watch.