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Smouldering fire in tumble dryer

What happened?

A tumble dryer was in operation when the heat within the machine exceeded its safe operating level resulting in items of laundry inside the machine overheating and generating smoke.

A crew member smelt smoke in the laundry and established it was coming from the tumble dryer. The tumble dryer was switched off and then opened and at which point the laundry items ignited due to the ingress of air. The fire was quickly extinguished using a nearby fire extinguisher, the bridge was informed and a fire team mobilised to confirm the area was safe.

What went wrong?

The fire was due to a build-up of dust/residue inside the exhaust ducting between the tumble dryer and secondary filter, causing the safe operational limits of the machine to be exceeded.

Further investigation established that the heat sensor, a safety feature designed to protect the machine from overheating, had failed. 

Actions taken? Lessons learned?

  • Ensure that all tumble dryer filters and exhaust systems are regularly cleaned;
  • Ensure that the design of the tumble dryer filters and exhaust ducting enable full access to the tumble dryer and exhaust ducting. Consider whether additional access hatches need to be installed to improve access;
  • Check of the safety sensors within the tumble dryers and consider installation of a secondary safety sensor as back-up;
  • Confirm that heat and smoke detection in laundry rooms is suitable and sufficient.

Members may wish to refer to 

Safety Event

Published: 26 November 2020
Download: IMCA SF 32/20

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