Fire Risk Assessment In Warehouses and Factories FIRE RISK ASSES
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FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT IN WAREHOUSES AND FACTORIES

Establishing a business is a task in itself, and as the years pass on, the challenges that an organization has to face only keep on increasing. Companies conduct hundreds of meetings to plan their long-term growth strategies, but how often do they reconsider their safety practices?

Ever since the end of 2019, the world has noticed a horrific pandemic that brought the world to a standstill. Companies suffered enormous losses as their supply chains were disrupted completely and the produced goods perished in their storage facilities.

Even though the production started again some time in mid-2020, it came with unprecedented restrictions and uncertainties. Manufacturers preferred overproduction fearing yet another lockdown, and stocked their storage facilities as much as possible, turning a blind eye towards the safety norms.

Desperate times require desperate measures, but that shouldn’t be at the cost of sacrificing safety. Storage facilities are always prone to fire hazards, and caution is necessary to avoid loss of property and life. Hence, it is crucial to incorporate Fire Risk Assessments periodically in warehouses and factories, to avoid possible fire hazards.

Fire Risk Assessment in Warehouses and Industries

A fire risk assessment is an organized and methodical examination of your premises, the activities carried on, and the odds of a fire starting and causing harm to property and life.

  • Step 1 – Identify and pinpoint fire hazards

Depending on the kind of products you manufacture and store, the fire hazards associated may vary.

For instance, if your products contain flammable chemicals, you should be cautious while storing those chemicals.

On 4th November 2020, a similar tragic incident occurred in a cotton warehouse located outside Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where 12 people lost their lives to an accidental fire. The cause of the fire was identified to be the stored chemicals needed for this cotton factory. If the potential risk was identified and tackled, this tragedy could have been avoided.

  • Step 2 – Identify potential sources of fire hazards

If we carefully observe our surroundings, we will find many items that can be a potential source of fires. The most common objects in a warehouse that can act as a source of fire are:

  1. Cigarettes and matches – Improperly disposed-off cigarette butts and matches can be a source of the fire. Employees must be educated of the risk a single match can impose on the entire facility.
  2. Extractor fans – The fans designed to dissipate heat may get clogged, resulting in poor performance. Over time, this can cause a fire. Preventative Maintenance must be carried out to avoid this problem. Items that obscure the ventilation of machines must be moved out of the way.
  3. Electricals – Faulty electrical wires can lead up to a fire. Due care must be taken while constructing the warehouse. The open wire must be fixed or replaced.

A fire erupted in a warehouse owned by an E-Commerce company located in Delhi. The fire consumed 1/3rd of the storage facility and was reported to be due to an electrical short-circuiting. Although there were no casualties, the company suffered substantial financial loss.

  1. Lighting – Warehouses often have openings to allow in natural sunlight. If this light is reflected from a shiny surface and concentrated to a smaller area, it will generate a lot of heat, eventually leading to a fire.
  2. Stored goods – It isn’t a surprise that a warehouse will be packed with lots of goods. A fire could be a risk depending on factors like storage density, space between pallets, and the type of racks used.
  3. Packing – Packing materials like foam, paper, and wood immediately catch fire. Since storage boxes contain a great deal of packing material, these can flame the intensity of the fire very quickly.
  4. Flammable liquids – Many times, machined metal parts are dipped in oils before storing them, to avoid corrosion. Such factors are rarely considered and pose a potential threat for starting fire hazards.

Although these sources can be identified and nullified at an organizational level, it is better to get this done by a professional who can implement a proper Fire Risk Assessment.

Once you have successfully identified the hazards, the next step is to work on eliminating the fire-causing factors. In real-world scenarios, it can be impossible to eliminate some sources. In such cases, actions must be taken to reduce the risk as much as possible.

  • Step 3 – Identify which safety systems are best suited for your warehouse.

Depending on the type of warehouse and the item it stores, a well-functioning, highly responsive fire safety system must be incorporated.

The most commonly used safety system is the sprinkler system.

According to this report, between 2007-2011, wet pipe sprinklers have successfully put out 84% of the fires and as a result, controlled damage cost by over 60%

Apart from this, fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that are of apparent danger.

Depending on the type of product /process, there is a variety of fire extinguishers available. The role of this system is crucial as it acts as the last resort to tackle this fire mishap. An efficient safety system warns everyone and quickly acts to contain the spread of the fire.

Fire Risk Assessment in Warehouses and Factories – Factors to Consider

The fire safety audit not only emphasizes preventive measures but also what actions must be taken after implementing those measures.

1.Evaluate the outcomes

To implement the best possible fire safety system, you should first evaluate high-risk areas and areas where smoke accumulates, through modeling.

2.Create an Evacuation Plan

Once you have identified potential fire and smoke areas, you can now devise an evacuation plan which ensures all the employees get out safely, as early as possible.

3.Increase Awareness about Fire Safety

If we consider a small company, the owner or the manager should shoulder the responsibility to take charge in situations of fire. For a large company, the senior manager should take control. However, every employee must be educated about fire hazards, their cause, and their prevention, and an overall atmosphere of taking fire hazards seriously must be developed.

4.Build Documentation

Every single event of a fire, even a near miss, and every modification in the system should be documented. This record helps you make sound decisions in the future and implement the right changes.

Endnote

Any warehouse, whether new or existing, which is about to begin or expand, should get a fire safety assessment done and install a robust fire safety system.

Since this is a crucial aspect of safety, it is better to get in touch with experts who have been in this field for years. SHM Group is one such industry leader that specializes in manufacturing fire safety systems and fire extinguishers. We understand the importance of safety, and we believe in providing the best solutions to each client.

Warehouses are an indispensable and integral aspect of the logistics chain. It is hence, necessary to safeguard them properly, to avoid damage to goods and property. Whether for eCommerce storage or an automotive storehouse, it is necessary to implement preventive fire safety measures beforehand and conduct regular fire risk audits to ensure the health and safety of products and people!

HOW TO CONDUCT A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
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HOW TO CONDUCT A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

Ever since the inception of industries, safety standards have been ever increasing. Yet, the risk of a fire hazard still stands as an immense concern even today.

Fire hazards are difficult to predict, and the scale of this hazard is beyond one’s imagination. Fires spread rapidly before one can even take action to contain them, causing enormous damage to thousands of lives and property.

According to this report by The Hindu, there were 882 incidents of fire in industries across India between 2014- 2017 where the death toll crossed the 950-mark, making it the third-largest contributor for industrial deaths.

Considering the tangible and intangible trauma caused by fires, industries are pushing hard towards a workspace that not only alerts everyone of a fire hazard but mitigates the risk of one in the first place by incorporating advanced safety equipment systems.

To ensure the safety of your workplace, a Fire Risk Assessment must be on top of your checklist.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a document that details all possible fire hazards in the building. The available data is then assessed and categorized and the people at risk are identified.

A Fire Risk Assessment acts as a guideline for managing the risk and eliminating unacceptable risks. It follows set procedures for assessment and is a multi-step process.

Here is how a fire risk assessment usually works.

How to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment

1.Start with a fire audit

Fire safety audits are performed on the existing structure. It can be an office building, a manufacturing unit, or even a warehouse. Safety inspectors investigate the standards of fire safety present currently in the building. They also go through the necessary documentation. All the areas of non-compliance are profiled in this audit, and reformatory measures are imposed.

A fire audit can be performed under various circumstances such as,

  • If there was a fire incident
  • If there is a complaint against the safety standards
  • Periodic follow-up audit

2.Identify the potential causes of fire

The problem of unpredictability is the most gruesome part of a fire hazard. Hence, to avoid fire-related catastrophes, it becomes vital to identify and then nullify the sources of fire.

The prime causes of a fire hazard at the workplace are:

  • Smoking – Carelessly discarded cigarette butts can be the source of a potential fire hazard. It is essential to create specific no-smoking and smoking zones around the premises to prevent accidental fires.
  • Combustible materials – Irresponsibly stored material that is combustible in nature may be a potential fire hazard. One needs to make sure that such material is stored safely away from sources of fire.
  • Waste material – Discarded packing material like cardboard, wooden pallets, or even rags soaked in oil, can act as agents that can rapidly spread the fire. It is necessary to separate the waste storage zone away from potential sources of fire.
  • Electricals – A faulty wiring or electrical equipment can ignite a fire. Electrical fires require a different type of extinguisher that contains carbon dioxide instead of water.
  • Arson – As insane as it sounds, there are many cases where the fire is started by an individual deliberately. It is necessary to factor in this possibility while conducting a fire risk assessment.

Disregarding this step can have massive repercussions.

On December 8th, 2019, a luggage manufacturing facility in Delhi was engulfed in a fire resulting in 43 deaths. The eyewitness and the initial investigation states the reason for the fire was an electrical short circuit. The building lacked a proper fire license and was not permitted to house a factory. The facility reportedly stored combustible materials. Here is the detailed story.

3.Identify the sources of fuel

Once you have assessed the potential sites of ignition, the next area that needs assessment is the source of fuel. Fire spreads rapidly depending on the kind of fuel it feeds on.

In a chemical factory, there can be flammable fluids/gasses that can catch fire, when in contact with an ignition. Some gasses may catch fire upon exceeding a specific temperature. Periodic maintenance will keep the pipelines in check and detect potential leaks in the system.

A manufacturing facility where heat and fire are an integral part of the operations must be extra careful when it comes to fire safety. For example, while welding, one must ensure that no cleaning cloths or rags are lying around as the sparks generated during welding may ignite them.

Machines that emit heat should have sufficient ventilation for heat dissipation. And flammable material such as paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, and wood should be placed sufficiently away from potential sources.

Lubricants and oils must be stored in closed drums and away from machines. The location of Electrical grids should be away from the facility where even if a fire arises, it does not spread.

4.Identify the sources of oxygen

For any fire to erupt, there are three principal contributors

  • Source of ignition
  • Combustible elements
  • Source of oxygen

If we eliminate even one of the three, the risk of fire spreading is reduced significantly. Or in some cases, even eliminated.

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are used to tackle fires spreading because of oxygen. These extinguishers displace the oxygen in the area so the fire has no fuel to burn.

The cylinders containing oxygen must be stored far away to ensure that even if there is a fire hazard, they do not contribute to it. Recently an oxygen refilling center in Lucknow reported a blast resulting in 2 casualties. The fire caused by this blast resulted in 5 injuries. Such incidents are constant reminders of how important it is to follow safety SOP and fire guidelines seriously.

5.Assess the potential damage based on the type of fire

There are five types of fires, and depending on their intensity, their potential of damage may vary.

Fire Risk Assessment

Identify the types of potential fire hazards based on the material in the area under risk assessment and accordingly develop adequate safety protocols to reduce the risk. The types of fire extinguishers used will also vary based on the type of fire, so ensure that you take careful note of the surroundings.

6.Install the right Fire Safety System to mitigate fire risks

Now that you have analyzed all possible hazards, their location, and the area they may damage,  the next step is to equip your facility with highly reliable Fire Safety Systems.

This ensures that if there were a fire despite all your precautionary measures, you are prepared to contain it before it causes damage to property or life.

There are two methods to incorporate fire safety into your manufacturing facilities.

  • Passive systems – While constructing a facility, the architect or the civil engineer can incorporate non-flammable materials. Identify assembly points in the design and include fire exits and fire escapes.
  • Active systems – These systems react to the fire. The most commonly used active system is a sprinkler system. The system uses water and which has adequate pressure in the lines.

In case of a fire, the sprinklers disperse water over a wide area to contain and suppress the spread. Pre-action, Dry Pipe, Wet Pipe, and Deluge are a few types of sprinkler systems.

Active systems also consist of fire alarms which warn people of a potential fire hazard and help them evacuate the premises. Such a system plays a vital role as they help empty the facility reducing loss of life significantly.

Apart from these systems, there is a variety of fire extinguishers available for various types of fires. It is the organization’s responsibility to train individuals and guide them duly to use this equipment in case of emergencies.

Endnote

SHM believes in providing highly efficient solutions to the world when it comes to fire safety equipment. We are a trusted manufacturer and supplier of industry-leading Fire Safety Equipment for over 20 years and have a wide variety of fire safety systems that ensure absolute safety in case of fire hazards.

Organizations devote a lot of time, money, and effort to create a manufacturing facility. Each facility has expensive machines, materials, and more importantly its employees. A small error can trigger a fire causing immense loss. Hence, it is necessary to incorporate robust fire safety systems in the workplace to avoid any catastrophe.

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
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FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM (NOVEC 1230): SHM PERSPECTIVE

Fire suppression system is one of the calamities that can cause untold loss of life and property. Hence, over the years, humankind has developed various increasingly effective ways of extinguishing or suppressing fires, in order to safeguard human lives, property and assets, and the environment. The latest and most popular systems are known as ‘clean agent fire suppression systems’.

Clean agent fire suppression systems use a ‘clean agent’ to extinguish fires. A clean agent is an electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent that leaves no residue upon evaporation. Clean agent fire suppression systems use inert gases or chemicals stored in containers, which extinguish fire when discharged. From a sustainable point of view as well, clean agents are preferable for maximum use as they are substantially more environment-friendly than all other options.

How do clean agent fire suppression systems work?

Essentially, a fire requires three components: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If any of these is not present or gets cut off, the fire will be suppressed. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen to put out the fire. There are three main types of Clean Agent Systems:

  1. FM 200
  2. Inert Gas:
    1. CO2
    2. INERGEN
  3. Novec 1230

Among these, Novec 1230 based systems are gaining increasing demand and popularity worldwide. Let us delve a bit deeper into what makes these systems so special!

What is Novec 1230?

Novec 1230, scientifically known as 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-Nonafluoro-4-(Trifluoromethyl)-3-Pentanone is a fluorinated ketone. It is used as a clean agent in fire suppression systems and has fast emerged as one of the most popular Clean Agent options globally.

How does it work?

It is used as a gaseous suppression agent in places where water or CO2 based extinguishers would be impractical. The Novec 1230 is stored as a non-toxic, colorless liquid which converts into a gas when discharged and removes the heat from the fire, thereby extinguishing it. Usually employed in fixed fire safety systems, Novec 1230 is also used in portable extinguishers for specialized applications.

Once expelled into the environment, Novec 1230 exhibits strong absorption of energy at near UV wavelengths, resulting in a very short atmospheric lifetime. Thus, photolysis is the main atmospheric sink for the compound, resulting in the gas getting completely dispersed within 5 days to a week. Being a clean agent, of course, it does not leave any residue, damage any assets or harm the environment in any way.

How is it different from other Clean Agent FSS?

Environmental

The Novec 1230 fluid is considered the best, most environment-friendly clean agent, having zero Ozone Depletion Potential and a Global Warming Potential of just 1! This means that it has next to no effect on the environment, and does not contribute to climate change. Hence it is an excellent replacement for the old HFC systems which were harmful to the ozone layer. This makes it preferable over the FM 200 system, which has slightly higher ozone depletion potential.

Occupant Safety

The Novec 1230 agent has no effect on the health of the occupants in any space. Unlike CO2 systems which can cause breathing trouble to occupants by lowering the oxygen levels in the surroundings to put out the fire, Novec 1230 simply removes the heat from the surroundings, suppressing the fire within seconds. Hence, it is completely safe for occupants and can be used in areas with high occupant density.

Asset Protection

The Novec 1230 is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and leaves no residue upon action. This makes it, along with the INERGEN system, one of the safest and cleanest agents to be used for extinguishing fires.

Additionally, it is also one of the most electrically non-conductive materials to be used as a clean agent. Hence, it is especially useful in facilities having a large number of electronic and electrical components, such as data centers, server rooms, race cars, and industrial facilities.

Convenience

Not only is the Novec 1230 a clean agent, it is extremely fast-acting as compared to INERGEN or CO2; hence, it severely limits the amount of damage the fire can do to the surroundings. It is also extremely effective in small quantities, thus requiring less space for storage. All these factors make it a convenient, sustainable and safe clean agent fire suppression system.

When and where is it used?

Considering the above factors, it is no wonder that the Novec 1230-based clean agent fire suppression systems have a widespread application. They can be used for occupied as well as non-occupied places. They are recommended for use in facilities that require maximum preservation of assets. Some of the facilities where Novec 1230 systems are recommended are:

  • Museums and art galleries
  • Valuable cargo warehouses and shipments
  • Server rooms
  • Data centers
  • Electronic areas with very sensitive or irreplaceable equipment
  • Telecommunication and switching centers
  • Power generation and transmission facilities
  • Industrial facilities
  • Military facilities and marine engine rooms
  • Racing cars
  • Seafaring merchant, defense, and recreation vessels
  • Airplanes

SHM Showcase: Sapphire Clean Agent System

SHM Shipcare is one of the foremost dealers for the Sapphire Clean Agent System. This 3M Novec 1230 based Fire Suppression System quickly suppresses fire in areas where an electrically non-conductive medium is required and where electronic systems cannot be shut down in an emergency.

This system uses 3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid for total flooding applications. This allows it to suppress a fire before it can be fully engaged and once the fire is suppressed, Novec 1230 quickly evaporates without harming any valuable assets.

The Novec 1230 in Sapphire Systems provides a wide safety margin, being used at concentrations of only 4 to 6% by volume, substantially below the 10% concentration maximum for safe exposure. As per the specifications laid out under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2001 code, it is safe for occupied spaces.

The Sapphire system can detect and extinguish a fire even before it approaches the flame stage, due to its state-of-the-art detection and control system. It combines exclusive AUTOPULSE microprocessor control panels with extremely sensitive smoke, heat, and flame detectors.

Once the smoke and heat detectors detect a fire; the AUTOPULSE control panels will set off alarms, close doors, shut down equipment, and release the fire suppression system. The system provides automatic detection, 24 hours a day, in conjunction with manual pull stations.

Endnote

The Sapphire Clean Agent System has wide applicability and can be installed to perfectly cater to your facility’s every need. Interested in getting the state-of-the-art Novec 1230 system for your business or facility? You can check out our Sapphire Clean Agent System, or contact us at [email protected] for a consultation!

LATEST AMENDMENTS ON LIFE SAFETY
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LATEST AMENDMENTS ON LIFE SAFETY :

The oceans have long been the domain of the brave. Explorers, international traders, cargo transporters- those who journey over the seas know there is always a risk to their lives. Their family and friends are always concerned for their life safety. However, as we have progressed into the 21st century, modern technology, international cooperation, and standardization have ensured that maritime voyages are far, far safer than they used to be. How was this achieved?

In 1948, after the formation of the United Nations, its members expressed the need for an organization that would develop and update a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping, including safety, environmental concerns, technical co-operation, security, legal issues and efficiency. This was achieved ten years later with the formation of the International Maritime Organization! For over 60 years, the IMO has addressed life safety at sea through the research, codes, and amendments developed by its various committees such as the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE).

IMO SSE 7 Background and Objectives

The IMO has instituted a Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to oversee all safety-related decisions. Under its ambit, the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) addresses a broad spectrum of technical and operational matters related to systems and equipment on all ships, vessels, marine craft and mobile units covered by IMO instruments. This consists of life-saving equipment, appliances and arrangements, fire detection and fire extinguishing systems. The recommendations and resolutions of the SSE are passed on to the MSC for consideration and approval.

The 7th session of IMO’s SSE was convened in London from 2-6 March 2020. One of the last sessions conducted in person before the pandemic, SSE 7 worked on a number of amendments related to life safety. Let us take a look at the salient points!

On-shore power

Apart from opting for cleaner, greener fuels, using onshore power supply service is one solution to reduce air pollution and emissions from ships. It also helps limit local noise. With that in mind, the IMO is addressing the need for global standards for the process of providing shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth, while its main and auxiliary engines are turned off. Thus, SSE 7 agreed to an interim guideline on the ‘safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in port’.

Life-saving appliances

   – Ventilation of survival craft

The Sub-Committee developed draft amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code for ventilation of survival craft, particularly enclosed lifeboats. It also drafted related amendments to the ‘Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances’.

For survival craft, the goal is to maintain a habitable environment under all conditions; and the amendments addressed such different conditions. The committee determined to carry out similar amendments for partially enclosed lifeboats/life rafts in its next session.

– Fall and hook systems with on-load release capability

Although the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code includes measures to prevent accidental release of the fall and hook system during recovery of lifeboats and rescue boats, the ones with single fall and hook systems are currently exempted from these measures!

Hence, SSE 7 agreed to amend LSA Code paragraph 4.4.7.6.17, ensuring adequate safety standards for lifeboats and rescue boats having single fall and hook systems with on-load release capability.

–  Launching of free-fall lifeboats

The Sub-Committee agreed to remove the constraint of launching free-fall lifeboats if the ship makes headway at 5 knots in calm water, since no additional dynamic load on the launching arrangements needs to be accounted for. Accordingly, it agreed to amendments to SOLAS chapter III, LSA Code and resolution MSC.81(70), along with an MSC circular on its voluntary early implementation.

– Life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms

The Sub-Committee also revised the ‘Standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report’ forms. It segregated the forms into six separate circulars, each analogous to the relevant chapter of the LSA Code, simplifying their use and future amendments. This will prove advantageous to administrations as well as manufacturers, test facilities, owners and surveyors. It will also facilitate mutual acceptance of approvals carried out by other administrations.

– Revision of SOLAS chapter III and the LSA Code

The IMO has agreed to revise SOLAS chapter III on life-saving appliances and arrangements, as well as the relevant LSA Code to address the gaps and ambiguities in their provisions. It will also restructure the requirements to a goal-based format. SSE 7 accordingly agreed upon a blueprint and action plan for this revision, and will conduct the work in a correspondence group until SSE 8 (2021).

Fire protection 

Fire protection

 – Fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships

It has been observed that serious fire incidents happened on vehicle decks of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) passenger ships over the past decade. To address this, the IMO intends to implement SOLAS amendments, aiming to enforce them from 1 January 2024.

Hence, the sub-committee considered security measures like advanced fire detection, CCTV, and monitors on the weather deck for new ro-ro passenger ships, as well as appropriate measures for existing ships. It also agreed on draft amendments to the ‘Revised guidelines for the design and approval of fixed water-based fire-fighting systems for ro-ro spaces’, to extend maximum height for these systems from 9 to 10 m for alignment as a special category space.

– Dry chemical powder fire extinguishing systems for LNG tankers

SSE 7 agreed to carry out fire tests of the dry chemical powder, including a small-scale fire test, using available ISO standards. Accordingly it suggested amendments to “Guidelines for the approval of fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems for the protection of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk” (MSC.1/Circ.1315).

– Fault isolation of fire detection systems

SSE 7 agreed on draft amendments to chapter 9 of the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code, that short circuit isolators are not required at each individual fire detector for cargo ships and passenger ship balconies. Cargo ships can typically have one isolator per deck.

– Fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems

According to the MSC ‘Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed CO2 fire-extinguishing systems’, 10% of the total number of CO2 cylinders are tested at the 10-year hydrostatic inspection, with another 10% being tested after 20 years. Now, however, the SSE has agreed to expand the 20-year test regime to testing all the remaining (90%) cylinders, representing a significant increase! This is an important step towards ensuring greater efficiency and safety.

Safety for diving systems and hyperbaric evacuation systems

To improve the safety of commercial diving operations, SSE 7 agreed to update the non-mandatory ‘Code of safety for diving systems’ and the ‘Guidelines and specifications for hyperbaric evacuation systems’ as per IMO guidelines.

On-board lifting appliances and anchor handling winches

Since on-board cranes and anchor-handling winches are not currently covered by IMO instruments, the SSE agreed to develop appropriate safety measures for both. Agreeing on a draft SOLAS proposal, the corresponding guidelines for lifting appliances and associated loose gear were finalized.

Revision of SOLAS chapter II-1

The sub-committee concurred on an action plan to develop goals and functional requirements for SOLAS chapter II-1, parts C, D and E: machinery installations, electrical installations and periodically unattended machinery spaces.

Isolated pantries on passenger ships carrying over 36 passengers

SSE 7 also concurred upon a unified interpretation to make clear the acceptable structural fire protection arrangements for isolated pantries, on board ships carrying more than 36 passengers.

Progress and Future

The drafts and agreed proposals of the SSE 7 were submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee during its 103rd meeting in November 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting happened virtually. The amendments and various suggestions were discussed, and majority of them were approved by the MSC, leading to an amendment of the SOLAS chapter II-1 accordingly. After the ratification, the implementation process has begun and the resolutions are expected to come into force from 1 January 2024.

As we can see, ensuring life safety at sea is a continuous process. The amendments suggested by the SSE 7 will ensure that more and more seafaring vessels and their crews are subjected to international safety norms. Through studying these amendments, we at SHM Shipcare are also, once again, reminded of the importance of our role as life safety specialists, and vow to continue ensuring safe seas and safe shores!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFEBOAT SERVICES IN SRI LANKA
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KNOW ABOUT LIFEBOAT SERVICES IN SRI LANKA

Lifeboat services Sri Lanka have always been an integral part of marine safety procedures. Important for the vessel to have a mandated number of lifeboats on board that can be easily accessed and used in case of an emergency.

Important as lifeboats are, most crew and passengers on ships would rather they remained unused. However, they are a necessary last resort for those on board and over the years many have been grateful that they were provided.

Lifeboats are basically small boats that are kept aboard a ship to carry out emergency abandonment, in case of mishaps such as man overboard, ship accidents, etc. occur. They primarily function as a device for swift and effective evacuation of people in distress from the ship and then aid them to a safe location.

Lifeboats are quickly deployed from ships with the help of davit systems which is fixed on the sides of the ship. They include a motor, unlike inflatable rafts and boats, which are smaller and slower. Inflatable lifeboats consist of an auto-inflation system that is quicker and more convenient for the people in distress.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about lifeboats – types, release mechanisms, SOLAS requirements, safety equipment, and lifeboat maintenance. Read on to make the choicest and most preferable pick for your vessel.

Types of Lifeboats

According to SOLAS Regulations, each vessel should contain enough lifeboats to accommodate 37.5% of crew and passengers on either side. While inflatable or rigid liferafts must accommodate 25% on each side of the vessel.

Lifeboats are of three types, depending on their use, area of application and effectiveness:

  • Open Lifeboats

    As the name suggests, these lifeboats are open and have no roof. They are mostly manually propelled by oars. Sometimes one may also use a compression ignition engine to navigate the lifeboat.

    However, due to the strict safety norms currently, open lifeboats have been discounted. They are very rarely seen in older ships.

Open LifeboatSource: Wikimedia

  • Closed Lifeboats

Closed lifeboats are enclosed with a roof that shelters the people in it from rain, seawater currents, and strong winds. These boats, if toppled, stay upright on their own. These are further classified into Fully Enclosed Lifeboats and Partially Enclosed Lifeboats.

Source: Wikimedia 

  • Free Fall Lifeboats

Free Fall lifeboats are stored and launched from a downward sloping slipway for maximum clearance. They are heavier and stronger so as to sustain their impact with water when they drop directly when released from the vessel.

Free Fall lifeboatSource: Wikimedia 

Other than these three common types, there are two additional advanced types of lifeboats namely, Fireproof Lifeboats and Hyperbaric Lifeboats.

  • Fireproof Lifeboats 

    These boats are used during oil spills and are heavily insulated to withstand flaming substances.  The high sustenance nature allows it to envelop the boat against heat and flames for up to 8 minutes once waterborne.

  • Hyperbaric Lifeboats 

These boats consist of a sealable diving chamber with hatches large enough for people to enter and exit without undergoing decompression. The pressure vessel renders compressed breathing gas supply to raise the internal air pressure.

Now that we’ve seen the various types of lifeboats, let’s see how their releasing mechanism works.

Lifeboat Release Mechanism 

No matter the type of lifeboat, the most important consideration is to make sure it releases quickly and perfectly, so as to aid the people in distress as fast as possible. Hence, there are three different types of boat release mechanisms.

  • On Load Mechanism

This type of mechanism focuses on releasing lifeboats from the wire, with crew members inside the boat. It is operated when the boat is about to touch the water, to ensure a smooth landing of the lifeboat without causing damage to the boat or harming the crew inside.

  • Off-Load Mechanism

This type of mechanism releases lifeboats after the boat is fully on the sea. It includes a hydrostatic piston unit at its bottom which is connected to the operating lever. Once waterborne, the water pressure moves the lever up which will release the fall wire.

  • Free Fall Lifeboat Release Mechanism

The Free Fall Lifeboat has a release mechanism where the lifeboat is launched from its stowed position by the operation of a lever inside the boat that releases it. It causes the boat to slide through the tilted ramp and on to the surface of the water.

There are several other advancements being made in lifeboats and release mechanisms.

Having touched upon the topics of lifeboats and their release mechanisms, let’s now look at what standards to adhere to when using the aforementioned.

SOLAS Regulations list some specific standards which every vessel shall observe with relation to lifeboats and their use. Let’s take a look at these regulations below –

SOLAS Requirements for Lifeboats

According to the LSA codes and SOLAS, there is a set of requirements that ensure the safety on a lifeboat. These requirements are:

  • The people onboard determine the capacity of the lifeboat required on a vessel. The number of lifeboats and liferafts should be enough to accommodate at least 125% of the number of passengers and crew. The lifeboat should not be less than 7.3 m in length. Every ship shall carry at least two lifeboats on either side of the ships; i.e. the port and the starboard.
  • The lifeboat of a cargo ship with 20,000 GT must be capable of launching when the ship’s speed is at 5 knots.
  • All the equipment described under the SOLAS code must be carried in a lifeboat to ensure survival at sea. The equipment mainly includes freshwater, compass, distress signalling equipment, food and ration and first aid.
  • The ship must carry a minimum of one rescue boat for rescue purposes in addition to the number of lifeboats. If more than one lifeboat is present onboard the ship, one of them can be designated as a rescue boat.
  • The gravity davits must be held and slid down the lifeboat even when the ship is heeled at an angle of 15 degrees on either side. Ropes called gripes are used to hold the lifeboat with the cradle in the stowed position.
  • Falls are the wires which lift and lower the lifeboat. A lifeboat should not descend at more than a speed of 36m/min and this speed is controlled by centrifugal brakes.
  • With the boat loaded to its full capacity, the hoisting time for the boat to launch its launching appliance should not be less than 0.3 m/sec
  • The Lifeboats are to be painted with an internationally-approved bright orange colour and the ship’s call sign is to be printed on it.
  • The lifeboat station, where safety awareness posters and launching procedures are posted must be easily accessible for all the crew members in at all times and under all circumstances.
  • To ensure that the ship’s crew members are capable of launching the boat in minimum time in case of an emergency, regular drills must be conducted.
  • Apart from these requirements, lifeboats are required to have the necessary safety and survival equipment onboard as well.

Lifeboat Safety Equipment

A lifeboat alone is enough to aid people to a safe place, but there is certain basic life-safety equipment each boat should carry.  Here is a list of this equipment:

  • Compass

A lifeboat should contain a portable compass in order to check the direction in which it is to be steered. Carrying one renders mandatory as it is a crucial component required to stay on course during rescue operations.

  • Signaling Mirror

A signalling mirror is a device that reflects light to grab the attention of a vessel passing by or a rescue plane. Any reflective object can be used, but signal mirrors are designed to make targeting your flash a lot easier. They have a hole in the middle with a retro-reflective surface that allows you to train a bright indicator on your target, so you’ll know for sure that you’re shining in the right place.

  • Embarkation Ladder

An embarkation ladder has two ropes fixed with wooden or metal steps and is used either to ascend or descend from one ship to another during an evacuation procedure. Also known as Pilot ladders, they need to be well-secured and stored at the strongest point midway along with the ship. They must cover the entire length from the ship’s deck down to the water level and one must ensure that the ladder is kept clear of all ship discharges.

  • Dipper

When stranded on a lifeboat, portable water is a very precious commodity which needs to be used sparingly to last longer. However, there are great chances of the water being spilt while pouring due to the swaying motion of the sea. A dipper helps minimize the spillage of lifeboat water.

  • First Aid Kit

A medical kit consisting of basic medicines, bandages, and first aid required to treat minor injuries must be present on every lifeboat.

  • Food Rations

The emergency ration is food stored in lifeboats and rescue boats in case the people on it have to stay for multiple days. The stored food ration includes wheat flour, glucose, soya fat, vitamins, and freshwater.

In addition to stocking the lifeboat completely, it is highly crucial the lifeboat is checked periodically and maintained properly in order to ensure its continued efficiency.

Here’s how to keep them functioning and efficiency of your lifeboats in check…

Maintenance Required in Lifeboats

The presence of lifeboats on board can make all the difference when it comes to quick evacuations at sea in case of emergencies. Hence, they need to be functioning perfectly at all times.

Here are some tips for seafarers and engineers on how to assure proper lifeboat maintenance at all times.

  • To avoid rupture and damage, lifeboat maintenance must be done every 3 months by the ship staff to check and repair damages.
  • The lifeboat hull must be checked regularly for any cracks and drills.
  • The air support system in lifeboats should be checked. The pressure of air bottles must be verified so as to avoid the passage of toxic gases in it.
  • The sprinkler system installed in lifeboats should be checked regularly to see if the valve functions properly and is not frozen or damaged.
  • The engine of a lifeboat must be tested at least for 3 minutes every week.
  • The lifeboat battery which provides lighting to the lifeboat and helps start the engine should be renewed every 2-3 years.

Endnote

Having covered everything you need to know about lifeboats, it is clear that they are the most basic and mandated safety equipment. From ensuring physical safety to guaranteeing the mental well-being of seafarers, they are etched into the marine safety culture.

At SHM Shipcare, as maritime stakeholders, we believe in putting safety first. With years of offerings and years of experience in safety solutions, we provide a wide range of lifeboats as well as the installation and refurbishment activities we offer.

Take a look at our extensive range and choose the best safety equipment for you!

If you found this blog informative and interesting, go ahead and share it with a mariner, water adventurist or even a friend.

Liferaft services Sri Lanka
/ By admin_7hf5d4fa / Shipping/ / 0 Comments

LIFERAFT SERVICES SRI LANKA FOR INFLATABLE BOATS – 10 COMMON QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK

The popularity of and demand for inflatable boats (Liferaft services Sri Lanka) has drastically increased over the past few years. New methods of production, stronger materials, and updated models are the main reasons for the popularity of inflatable boats.

Since the use of these boats has increased, it is necessary to know about the repair and maintenance for the same. Here are 10  common questions people ask while considering the repair and maintenance of inflatable boats.

#1 What is the life of an inflatable boat?

On average, the life expectancy of an inflatable boat is 10-15 years. The approximate lifespan can extend or shorten depending on several factors and the use of the inflatable boat. The age of the boat, the material used, it is stored, the amount of UV exposure, method of manufacture such as using a hand-glued machine vs machine-welded seams, are some of the factors responsible in determining the lifespan of the boat.

In ordinary cases, boats made from Hypalon last longer than those made from PVC. However, inflatable boats are the most easily damaged due to lack of maintenance and proper care.

#2 How to clean an inflatable boat?

It is necessary to clean an inflatable boat after each use. If it is not cleaned, dust and grime tend to settle on the surface of fabric or rubber, which makes the boat look filthy. It also starts the process of boat decay. Rinsing the boat after every use is the most important part of cleaning an inflatable boat. The inside of the boat should be rinsed using freshwater.

It helps to invest in a quality Boat Cleaning Solution which will help keep the boat clean and ship-shape.

After the boat is rinsed with water, ensure that the water does not stay on the surface of the boat. Therefore, the boat should be kept upside down to drain out the water. Then, it should be wiped dry with a towel. Areas between the floor and the side tube tend to collect water, thus they must be strictly dried.

The drying process is the most important one because if the boat is stored without the water being cleaned off its surface, it becomes susceptible to mold.

Leaving the boat out in the sun over extended periods is inadvisable. The heat of the sun tends to damage the fabric of the boat. Therefore, the boat should be sprayed with UV protectant sprays at regular intervals. If the boat has discoloration or dirt patches on its surface, it should be cleaned with an inflatable boat cleaning solution, sponges and brushes, water and hose sprayer. The stains should be scrubbed with a sponge until they come off the boat.

# 3 How to store an inflatable boat?

For storage, your inflatable boat should be kept out of the water to maintain its good condition. Keeping it on the water will expose it to algae, bacteria and other temperature changes, which will cause degradation.

Inflatable boats can be conveniently stored in a small space. However, before storing, the boat should be thoroughly cleaned. The spot where the boat is to be stored should be away from pests and rodents. The boat should be wrapped in extra layers of plastic cover to keep it safe.

The boat is then to be rolled up and kept in a place where it will remain unaffected by extreme changes in the climate as excessive heat and humidity have a negative impact on the adhesives on the boat.

#4 How to identify the fabric of your RIB or inflatable boat?

To repair an inflatable boat, it is first necessary to know the type of material it is made of, so as to use appropriate tools and measures. In ordinary cases, to manufacture the inflatable collars and tubes of boats, three main types of materials are used: Hypalon, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Polyurethane (PU).

  • Hypalon is a synthetic rubber coating on the fabric. It can last for up to 20 years and its joints are glued by overlapping of layers which are glued to each other. Hypalon boats are dark grey and black.
  • PVC is a plastic coating which is not flexible and cracks over time. It is the cheapest material for production and can be welded or glued. Boats made out of this are glossy in colour.
  • PU is a relatively new material and has superior airtightness and durability, as compared to Hypalon and PVC. It is glossy in colour.

#5 How to repair an inflatable boat?

The environment in which the boat is going to be repaired has to have a relative humidity less than 60%, the temperature should be between 18°C and 25°C and the area should be dry and well ventilated. There should be no open flame in the area.

For Hypalon fabric boats, a suitable adhesive should be used. The purpose of repair requires a lot of materials and tools. Some of them are adhesive glue, fabric patch, piece of polythene, sandpaper, solvent/primer or acetone, glue brush, acetone.

The basic steps for repairing an inflatable boat are as follows:

  • Identify the fabric with which the inflatable boat is made. The type of fabric determines what apparatus is to be used for repairing the boat.
  • Create an ideal environment in which to work and repair.
  • Repair of tubes and collars of the inflatable boat involves tears up to 55mm long. Small tears can be repaired with a single fabric patch, but the larger patches need fixing both from the inside and the outside of the tube.
  • Gather all the materials required beforehand.
  • Locate the tear in the tube. If unsure, apply soap water on the surface and look for bubbles arising.
  • Cut a fabric patch with round corners including the overlap. For Hypalon and PU patches, abrade the back to achieve a key for the application of adhesives.
  • Clean the back of the patch with a solvent and wait till it evaporates. Mask the area that needs to be repaired to avoid excess application of adhesive.
  • Use a 2-part adhesive and apply it on the back of the patches in a thin coat. Wait for it to dry for 20 minutes and apply the second coat.
  • Place a small piece of polythene over the glued area so the patch can be rolled and placed inside the tear.
  • Unroll the patch and let the surfaces stick.
  • Smoothen the patch to ensure there are no air bubbles.
  • Remove the masking tape along with the excess adhesive.
  • Place a heavyweight on the repair for 24 hours, to make sure the repair has been successful before relaunching the boat.

If this seems overwhelming to you, you can always opt for inflatable boat repair and maintenance services from boat manufacturers in India.

#6 How to find a leak in a Rigid Inflatable Boat?

The process for inspecting an inflatable boat to find a leak is as follows:

  • To locate the leak, you have to inflate the collar or tubes of the boat to the maximum so that it sounds like a drum when tapped on with the flat of your hand.
  • Inspect all areas of the inflatable collar or tube for signs of wear and tear.
  • Mix mild Ph washing liquid and warm water in equal parts in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution on one side of the tubes and look for any bubbles forming.
  • Mark all the areas where bubbles are evident with a marker.
  • Once the entire area of the boat is covered, rinse the surface thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely.

Further repairs can be carried out on every part where the leak is found, as mentioned above.

#7 How to fit a replacement screw-in type inflatable boat?

RIBs and many other inflatable boats are fitted with the screw-in type of valves. It is necessary to know about the anatomy of the valves in order to fix them. The next process is:

  • Once the identification of the male and the female section is done, deflate the tube on a flat surface. 
  • Before unscrewing the male section of the valve, make sure the new one is handy.
  • Lay the tube flat and put downward pressure on the valve.
  • Hold the female valve through the tube to prevent it from moving inside the tube when the male section is unscrewed.
  • Unscrew the male section and replace it with the new male section.
  • Ensure that it is in a closed position and re-inflate the test tube to check for leaks and repairs.

#8 How to fix or glue inflatable PVC fabric patches and accessories to Hypalon fabric RIB collars and tubes (and vice versa)?

PVC adhesive and Hypalon fabric, or vice versa, are not compatible but they can be bonded. The first step is to prepare the fabric patch.

  • For PVC patch – 

Clean the side of the fabric or accessory that is to be glued, with solvent or acetone.

Glue PVC patch to Hypalon tube – 

After cleaning the patch, apply one coat of adhesive to the side that is to be glued. Allow it to dry and then simply fix it to the Hypalon collar.

  • For Hypalon patch – 

Thoroughly abrade the back of the patch and clean it with a solvent.

Glue Hypalon patch to PVC tube – 

After abrading and cleaning the patch with solvent as told in step one, apply a coat of Hypalon adhesive to the back of the patch. Allow it to try and then fix it to the PVC collar.

#9 How to replace an inflatable boat valve?

As required during the repair of inflatable boats, the environment where the valve is to be replaced must be stress-free, relative humidity less than 60%, temperature between 18°C and 25°C. The area should also be ventilated.

The procedure then is as follows:

    • Deflate the tube and remove the existing valve.
    • Cut the fabric around it and remove the entire valve assembly.
    • Fit the new valve to the assembly with valve-doubler.
    • Lay the assembled valve over the tube and mark the area. 
    • Mask the area with removable masking tape to avoid over-applying of the adhesive.
    • Abrade the back of the doubler and achieve a key for adhesive (only for Hypalon). Over abrasion must be avoided as it can damage the fabric. PVC does not have to be abraded.
    • Clean the back of the patch with solvent and wait for it to evaporate.
    • Apply adhesive using a brush, in a thin coat and leave it to dry for 20 minutes. Apply the patch and the doubler to the cut-out. Smooth down the fabric area to make sure there are no bubbles.
    • Remove the masking tape along with the excess of solvent and adhesive. Put a weighted object on top of this for 24 hours.

Endnote

That concludes our list of the 10 most common questions people ask when it comes to inflatable boats. For the do-it-yourselfers out there, a word of caution. Repairing and maintaining an inflatable boat is necessary to keep it functioning properly and smoothly.

Even so, it is made mandatory by the IMO to get all inflatable boats inspected once every five years, from a certified manufacturer or service provider. There are several leading inflatable boat manufacturers in India that offer oar inspection and repair services, which help keep your boat safe and water-worthy for many years.

What are your thoughts about repairing and maintaining inflatable boats? Any questions you would like to ask? Drop a comment to let us know.

INFLATABLE BOAT
/ By admin_7hf5d4fa / Shipping/ / 0 Comments

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST INFLATABLE BOAT? – A BUYER’S GUIDE

With the surge in water-based recreational activities, inflatable boats have become extremely popular. These boats (BEST INFLATABLE BOAT) are some of the most popular ones and are commonly used as lifeboats or for recreational purposes.

It is interesting to note that though the updated modern model of a lifeboat has been recently developed, small inflatable boats have been around for a long time. Ancient carvings depict animal skins being filled with air to transport a man across a small water body. This is the earliest depiction of an inflatable boat which was inflated using the mouth.

Today, inflatable boats are a cost-friendly and convenient option as compared to other boats as they are flexible and lightweight made of synthetic rubber or plastic.

While inflatable boats are quite versatile, people opt for different types of inflatable boats for different purposes, based on a variety of factors.

Let’s take a look at a few factors that influence the buyer to choose a particular type of inflatable boat.

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat Based on Use?

There are 5 types of inflatable boats to choose from based on their use or application. These are:

  • Boats Used for Recreation – Inflatable Raft

The most common and widely used type of inflatable boats, the inflatable raft is used everywhere as a lifeboat and a mode of transport over small water bodies, in addition to being used for recreational purposes.

The simple structure of inflatable rafts makes them difficult to withstand currents of the sea. Hence, they are used on small water bodies. Inflatable rafts are available in a wide range of qualities which are reflected in their prices.

The bigger these rafts, more the features. Some of these include safety valves, multiple air chambers, fishing rod holders, grab ropes and inflatable keels.

  • Boats Used for Fishing – Inflatable Pontoon Boat

Commonly known as Catamarans, these pontoon boats are designed and used for fishing. They include two large air tubes tied together by a curved air bladder or metal frame. The seat can be of two types, inflatable or a real boat seat with metal frames is situated in the centre of the boat in order to provide a high vantage point.

The pontoons have a high weight capacity and they are also very easy to maneuver since the two inflatable tubes cut through water easily.

There are also larger inflatable pontoon boats that carry up to 2 to 4 people but they are much bigger and therefore have to be hauled through trailers.

  • Multipurpose Boats – Inflatable Kayak

The most popular type of inflatable boats-kayaks is used for several purposes. Different types of kayaks have been developed in accordance with different purposes including lake recreation, fishing kayaks, and river voyages.

Inflatable kayaks appeal to most people because they are portable, safe, easy to use and durable.

  • Boats Used for Water Sports – Inflatable Dinghy

Also known as an Inflatable Sports Boat, the inflatable dinghy is of high quality and mostly used as a tender for larger boats. These boats come with different types of floorings and can also be used on the sea to certain extents.

Modern-day inflatable dinghies are rugged, durable, versatile, lightweight and compact enough for one person to handle. They also have a mounted outboard motor.

  • Boats Used for Patrolling and Surveillance – Rigid Inflatable Boat

RIBs are rigid-hulled inflatable boats. They are an amalgamation of the traditional boat and an inflatable boat. These boats provided excellent buoyancy due to the inflatable tubes, are easily manoeuvrable and seaworthy due to the rigid hull.

These boats cannot be folded or taken apart due to the rigid hull. However, Rigid Inflatable Boats are also virtually unsinkable.

To choose an inflatable boat, one must know more than just its uses. It is important to classify boats according to their designs, as it determines the speed and the strength of a boat. Here are a few steps on how to choose an inflatable boat based on its design.

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat Based on Design?

There are two ways to determine and choose between inflatable boats on the basis of their design. They are boats with keels and boats without keels. A keel is a lengthwise metal structure on the base of the boat which supports its framework and increases its stability.

Let us take a look at both the types of boats:

  • Boats with keels

Having a keel increases the performance, versatility, and the value of an inflatable boat. A keel makes it easy for the boat to get on a plane, perform better on the water by easily cutting through the water, and ensures compactness. Boats with keels can be used to travel on the open ocean due to their enhanced performance. They include inflatable tenders and RIBs.

  • Boats Without Keels

The absence of a keel comes with its own benefits. Boats without keels are more compact, easily portable and are simple to inflate as well as store. The cost of the boat, in addition to the time it takes to inflate and deflate the boat is considerably reduced. It makes these boats easier to use in the process of going from land to water.

The greatest benefit of these boats is the quick setup, but there are a few setbacks too.  These boats are difficult to board on a plane, which limits the user’s range and speed. However, these inflatables are great to be used on small water bodies with flat water and short trips.

In addition to the design, it is necessary to know about the hull of the ship. The hull is a watertight enclosure that keeps the boat safe from flooding and water damage. Choosing the right type of hull determines the efficiency of the boat.

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat Based on The Right Type of Hull?

Inflatable boats have a range of hull shapes available, ranging from flat hulls, V hulls, to Deep-V Hulls.  Each of these hulls is designed with a different purpose, function, and utility in mind; as described below.

  • Flat Hull

These are hulls that don’t have a keel. They are made with PVC or CSM. Their performance is underwhelming since, without a keel, the hulls lack stability. They are hard to maneuver and direct. They lack the ability to port through planes and reach high speeds.

They are generally used for travelling short distances, or short fishing trips on lower speeds.

  • V Hull

V-hulled inflatable boats are made out of PVC or CSM and have an inflatable keel. They have a high-pressure air or hardwood floor to make it easier for the keel to cut through the water.

These boats are able to get on planes at high speeds, as compared to the flat hull. They are exceptionally stable but a little costly as compared to those without a hull. These types of hulls are mainly used as tenders by fishermen, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and others.

  • Deep-V Hull

This type of hull is mostly found on RIBs and is very expensive. They can extend into the water further as compared the V Hull. They also provide enhanced stability, control and speed on waves. However, due to the hull design, these boats sail higher on water and can tilt and rock with the wind, lowering their stability.

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat Based on The Right Type of Fabric?

The fabric used to make an inflatable boat plays a huge role in determining the quality and durability of the boat. Here are a few very reliable types of fabric used in making inflatable boats:

  • PVC

Polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic plastic polymer which is less expensive than Hypalon. Boats made from PVC are affordable, lightweight and portable. PVC boats are also available in a wide range of colours. Repairing boats of this fabric deems extremely easy.

As PVC is a type of plastic, it seams can be thermo-bonded or glued. However, PVC does not provide resistance to abrasion. It is also not very resistant to the effects of extreme temperatures, chemicals and ultraviolet rays. PVC boats have a short life cycle as they deteriorate very quickly.

  • Hypalon

Hypalon is a synthetic rubber used as a coating for polyester and nylon fabrics. It provides resistance to abrasion as well as other mechanical wear and tear. Boats made of Hypalon are also resistant to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet rays and do not harden even after being kept in the sun for long intervals. They are lightweight, easily portable, and can also be folded after their use as they have resilient structure.

Hypalon boats offer chemical resistance and can be easily repaired by applying a patch. The material is quite durable and does not get brittle over time. However, Hypalon is the most expensive coated material, which makes the boats made from this material costly. The fabric has a porous finish and gets easily soiled. Though it does not harden when left out in the sun, its colour can fade.

Lastly, choosing the correct floor type for your inflatable boats can go a long way.

How to Choose an Inflatable Boat Based on Floor Type?

Different floor types can give you various options for compactness, mobility and storage ease for the boat. Here are a few types of flooring options available for inflatable boats:

  • Roll up floor

This is the most basic floor made of aluminium or wood slats, often seen in inflatable boats without keels. These boats come in a variety of length, size, quality and material. They are less expensive than boats with different floorings as they are not rigid or durable.

Boats with such flooring are compact and convenient. They are known for portability and ease of set up. These boats are mostly used for short trips and operate at a very slow speed.

  • Hard Floor

Inflatable boats with hard flooring are the most popular choice of users due to their increased performance as compared to the roll-up floor boats. The hard floor provides stability to the boat and creates a better hull shape resulting in increased speed of the boat.

Boats with this type of floors can handle rough currents and big waves. But owing to the stability and enhanced performance created by the hard flooring, these boats are costly and come with higher quality material. They are simple to assemble and deflate.

  • Air Floor

Boats with this type of flooring have seen increasing popularity in recent times. They are versatile in application but are susceptible to punctures. Since the entire flooring is filled with air, these boats are lightweight and have increased speed.

Air floor inflatables provide high performance on the water and have increased directional stability. They are not ideal to be used on rough waters due to their lightweight.

  • Self-bailing Floors

Regular boats have a non-bailing feature as their flooring is made with sealed tubes. This means that if the water is splashed inside a boat during an activity, it stays inside unless scooped out manually.

However, in boats with self-bailing floors, the sides of the floors have carefully placed holes through which water can exit the boat. These boats can prove to be extremely helpful in activities like white-water rafting, where a lot of water enters the boat.

In addition to these parameters, it is necessary to know about the surroundings and about the water bodies where these inflatable boats are going to be used. It is also advisable to carry the tools needed for repair of these boats.

These boats require maintenance from time to time. When these boats are not in use, they must be stored properly to ensure good shape and minimal tearing and damage to the boat during storage.

Endnote

Inflatable boats are affordable and user-friendly. Due to their convenience, their usage has seen a significant increase all over the world. Be its military applications, industrial purposes or recreational activities, they are always a go-to option.

A plethora of inflatable boats, created by quality boat manufacturers in India are available with different types of flooring with different and versatile designs.  With the help of the guidelines given above, one can easily choose the inflatable boat of suitable requirements.

What are your thoughts? Based on your own experiences, let us know about more such ways in which one can choose the best inflatable boat, in the comment section below!

Fire fighting appliances services Sri Lanka
/ By admin_7hf5d4fa / Shipping/ / 0 Comments

IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES SHIP-SHAPE

Fire is one of the major causes of accidents that occur on board a ship. Ships carry bulk amounts of combustible cargo, flammable substances like oil and petrol in addition to other igneous machines for trade.

Which is why it is necessary for these ships to be equipped with the required appliances to control the spread of fires before they become unmanageable. In cases of fire emergencies, it is also imperative to check if all the ships meet the necessary safety standards and are equipped with important fire-fighting appliances.

Some of the most commonly used fire fighting appliances that need to be on board a ship are fire dampers, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire redundant bulkheads, fire hose and nozzles, and most importantly portable fire extinguishers.

This equipment helps in bringing under control the fire onboard a ship during a catastrophic accident. In addition to that, each ship must have a fully functioning and upgraded fire detection and alarm system installed.

But the first question we need to ask is, how does fire even occur on board a ship? The answer is simple. Fires on ships are a result of negligence. Let us now take a look at a few most common causes of negligence that cause fires.

Common Causes of Negligence Resulting in Fires on Ships

  • Malfunction in Machinery

Fires on ships occur mainly due to the abundance of complex and heavy machinery. Boiler rooms on ships house some of the most intricate machinery in compact quarters as well as fuel pipes required to run the machinery.

In such cases, a fire can be caused simply due to a malfunction in the machinery or a leak in one of the several fuel pipes in the area. Leaking fuel accumulated in one place or exhaust gases can also contribute to instant onboard fires.

  • Lack of Training in the Crew

In order to combust, fires require air, heat, and fuel. Combined with negligence on the maintenance crew’s part, it is quite easy for any fire to get out of hand. Hence, it is necessary for the ship’s crew to have the proper training to deal with unforeseen fire breakout.

Flammable items must also not be discarded onboard a ship. Ship fires typically occur in the boiler rooms, engine room and due to electrical malfunctions in addition to lack of proper maintenance.

  • Outdated Fire-fighting Equipment

Fire-fighting equipment, like a fire extinguisher, essentially does not have an expiry date. But it most certainly loses its functionality with time. Fire safety blankets also tend to deteriorate with time even if there is no certain expiry date.

Using outdated appliances can cause the fire to get even worse and can cause additional damage to life and property. It is therefore important to keep all the fire fighting equipment on board ships updated and maintained.

Seeing that lack of effective safety equipment in top working condition can cause immense damage to life and property on ships, it is imperative that it be serviced or replaced at regular intervals.

Servicing and Maintaining Fire-fighting Appliances

Fire is a result of spontaneous combustion and hence it is necessary for all the fire-fighting appliances and systems to work in the blink of an eye, in case of an emergency. To ensure this, it is important that the fire-fighting appliances and systems are serviced regularly.

Some of the steps for the same are as follows:

  • Make Equipment Available for Use at a Moment’s Notice

All the fire fighting equipment and systems must be in good condition and available for immediate use in case of a fire. If a fire fighting system onboard a ship is going through inspection or upgrade, then suitable measures must be taken to ensure that an alternate system is put into place.

  • Have an Inspection and Maintenance Plan in Ships

The ship must have a maintenance plan in place according to which maintenance and inspection of fire fighting equipment must be carried out. These inspections should be carried out by trained personnel adhering to the proper guidelines and the record must be available onboard.

  • Inspections at Periodic Intervals

Inspections must be carried out as required on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, two-year, five-year and ten-year basis, according to the equipment and system use.

Maintenance and servicing of fire-fighting appliances are crucial in order to prevent malfunctions of these systems in case of a fire. Proper maintenance can help to protect the crew and the passengers as well as the cargo on the ship by minimizing the damage caused by the fire.

To help meet these safety standards and have a common frame of reference for seafarers, the SOLAS treaty has defined specific requirements for fire-fighting appliances.

SOLAS Requirements for Fire-fighting Equipment

  1. Smoke detectors must be installed in every cabin and service space.
  2. The minimum capacity of the powdered CO2 should be 5kg and it should not be placed near places of accommodation. The minimum capacity of foam is 9 liters.
  3. The maximum mass of a portable fire extinguisher should not exceed 23 kg and it should have a capacity of holding 9 liters of liquid extinguishers. Fire extinguishing measures must be taken in spaces that contain flammable liquids.
  4. Ships must have escape routes and enclosures that prevent the ingress of smoke in cases of fire. Stair tower arrangements and multiple stairways connecting several decks must be put in place.
  5. Extinguisher intended to be used in a space must be located near the entrance of the space.
  6. If insulating materials such as foam are used, the exposed surfaces of the foam must be sealed with a fireproof coating.
  7. The trunks and ducts of ventilation systems onboard the ships must strictly be made out of non-combustible materials.
  8. The fire fighting equipment and systems put in place on board a ship must be known and accessible to the crew and other people on board the ship. The appliances must be pre-approved to meet the requirements of the specified code.
  9. Every pressure container for every fire extinguishing system must bear a mark indicating the fact that it meets the requirements according to the code.
  10. The vessel should be fitted with two or more power-driven fire pumps with pressure gauges. In addition to that, fire hoses must be connected to fire hydrants at all times.

Procedures for the Testing of Fire-Fighting Appliances

The fire-fighting equipment should work efficiently in case of a fire. Therefore, the following procedures are vital for the smooth functioning of a fire fighting system.

  1. Weekly Testing and Inspections:

  • The fire detection and alarm systems, fire doors, low location lighting, and sprinkler systems should be functional and should be operated by lamp or indicator switch.
  • The working of fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems must be verified by the correct positions of control and sectional valves.
  • The breathing apparatus should be in the correct pressure range.

 2. Monthly Testing and Inspections: 

  • Equipment like fire mains, pumps, hoses, nozzles, and fire hydrants should be properly arranged and be in good condition.
  • Fixed gas fire extinguisher system and foam fire extinguishing systems should be closed and in proper position and their pressure gauges should be in the proper range and free from leakages.
  • Firefighters outfits and the inventory must be well equipped and in good condition.

 3. Quarterly Testing and Inspections: 

  • Ventilation systems and fire dampers should be tested.
  • All dire doors should be located in the main vertical zone bulkheads.

4. Annual Testing and Inspections: 

  • Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, nozzles and hoses, fire detection and alarm systems must be visually inspected to be in proper condition.
  • Water sprinkling systems should involve valve tests, freeze protection and emergency power supply.
  • Ventilation systems and fire dampers must be tested for remote operations, else grease builds up.
  • Remotely controlled fire doors should be tested for release.

 5. Two-year Testing and Inspections: 

  • Fixed gas fire extinguisher systems should be weighed to confirm that the contents are above 95% of the nominal charge or containers must be refilled.
  • Fixed dry chemical powder systems must be inspected by a service agent.

 6. Five-year Testing and Inspections: 

  • Fixed gas fire extinguishing system, foam fire extinguishing systems and water sprinklers should be inspected for the functioning control valves.
  • It should supply freshwater and that should be tested too.
  • Breathing apparatus should be tested and replaced.

 7. Ten-year Testing and Inspections: 

  • Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems must be tested and renewed in accordance with the manufacturer.
  • Fixed dry chemical powder systems should be tested by an accredited service agent.

It is thus necessary for fire protection systems to be serviced and examined as part of their maintenance from time to time. This has also been stated in the guidelines provided by IMO.

Fire-fighting appliance providers and repairers like SHM Shipcare provide fire-fighting appliance maintenance services that involve efficient testing and maintenance of the fire-fighting equipment.

Trained personnel, skilled at examining and servicing fire-fighting equipment perform an inspection of portable and non-portable fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, foam applicators, compressor air quality test, and foam concentrate analysis.

Endnote

Almost all fires on ships are caused due to negligence. It is hence important to take the necessary precautions and measures to ensure that no fire breaks out on a ship. It is also required to use the most efficient and upgraded equipment in case of a fire.

In order to do this, the fire-fighting equipment on board a ship should be regularly checked for its efficiency and usability. Thus, it is important to take the above-mentioned precautions and keep the fire-fighting appliances onboard a ship up to date.

At SHM Shipcare, our endeavour of creating safe seas and safe shores drives us to manufacture, service, and repair outdated fire-fighting equipment. What are your thoughts about fire-fighting safety equipment in shipping? Like to share an experience with us? Drop a comment to let us know!