Skip to content

Dropped halogen lamp caused small fire  

What happened

During painting work taking place on a vessel during the hours of darkness, a halogen lamp fell from a scaffolding where the work was taking place, causing a small fire in a scaffold board below. Motormen and deck mechanics promptly responded, adhering to the appropriate emergency protocols, and the fire was extinguished easily. There were no injuries, but the lamp was destroyed and the scaffold board damaged. 

Damaged scaffold board
Halogen lamp that fell

What went wrong

  • Our member’s root cause analysis discerned that the lamp was blown over by gusts of wind. It was placed in an open environment, exposing it to the weather conditions;
  • There was a lack of proper supervision of the halogen lamp during the breaktime absence.

Lessons

  • Was this lamp fit for the job? Consider the use of LED lamps;
  • Shut down all equipment before taking a break, or ensure a watch is kept over running equipment;
  • Ensure installed equipment is stable and safe before starting work, and also after returning from a break;
  • Remain aware of weather conditions and what is going on around you when working.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 2 July 2024
Download: IMCA SF 13/24

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.