This article is reprinted with permission of Commercial Fisheries News, the Northeast's fishing newspaper for over 30 years, ©2003 Compass Publications Inc. Commercial Fisheries News is published monthly; annual subscriptions are $21.95. To subscribe or request a sample issue: call (877) 263-4496; fax (207) 367-2490; e-mail (cfoster@fish-news.com); or click on the hot link.
by Ann Backus, MS
Director of Outreach
Department of Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA
Phone (617) 432-3327;
E-mail abackus@hohp.harvard.edu
The report in last month's Along the Coast (October 2002 CFN) of an explosion aboard a lobster boat during a dockside repair in Searsport, ME was an important reminder of the need to minimize explosion hazards associated with gas engines, electrical sparks, heaters, and galley stoves.
Gasoline stored on board is of particular concern. It is dangerous because its low flashpoint of -40°F means that it is always volatizing (producing vapor).
Gasoline vapor, which is heavier than air, sinks to the floor or, if there is water in the bilge, it will sit on top of the water. The requirement that fishermen who operate with gasoline engines have a blower or other adequate ventilation system, such as forward and rear facing cowls, to exhaust the engine area was made for a good reason - to reduce the chance that gasoline vapors might be ignited by sparks from automatic bilge pumps or from other equipment not specified as suitable for marine use.
Vapors tend to hang around on a boat. These vapors can be ignited by sparks from matches, cigarettes, poorly sealed engine parts, poorly insulated wiring, a pilot light, static electricity, etc.
Components for engines and battery chargers that are specified for marine use have ignition protection, flame arrestors, or are specially sealed to prevent sparks from coming in contact with vapors that may be present.
Dockside activities
Various dockside activities present an explosion potential. Explosions can occur during refueling operations if the connections are not grounded and bonded. A discussion of refueling and other dockside rules can be found on the Internet at www.maine.state.us/dep/rwm/rules.htm.
Repairs requiring welding or the use of small motors, such as sanders, generate open sparks and must be carried out in extremely well-ventilated areas and away from stored flammable and combustible materials.
Heaters, stoves
With the coming of winter, fishermen should take time to make sure that their heaters are carefully placed and monitored. The utmost care should be taken to keep heaters away from areas where flammable and combustible liquids are stored.
Flammable liquids are those with a flashpoint of less than 100°F. Although the spaces onboard seldom reach that high a temperature, items stored or left near a heater can and do.
Combustible liquids, on the other hand, have flashpoints between 100°F and 200°F. Before setting up any heater, check the area for flammable and combustible liquids.
Galley stoves present a problem when they are used as heaters rather than for their intended purpose. Put plainly, galley stoves should never be used as heaters.
An open flame in a small, poorly ventilated galley can overheat nearby woodwork or raise the temperature of flammable or combustible liquids stored or left nearby to their flashpoints.
Other precautions
FISH SAFE carried specifications for fire extinguishers in the August 2002 issue. Please check to see that you have the right type and number of extinguishers required by law.
Also, be sure all crew members know where the extinguishers are and how to use them. Unfortunately, however, if an explosion occurs, there may not be any time for fire extinguishers, so the best protection is to take these simple steps to reduce the risk of explosion.
And, as always, be prepared to abandon ship. N
FISH SAFE
- Place heaters carefully and use them only as intended.
- Store flammable and combustible liquids away from all sources of heat.
- Ensure that all areas and compartments are properly ventilated.
- Use equipment and component parts that are specified for marine use.
- Take proper precautions during dockside repairs when welding, sanding, or burning.
- Check fire extinguishers in terms of type, number, placement, and expiration date.
- Be prepared to abandon ship.
