Tips for Open Flame Operations on Ships

Maritime Safety Recommendations

(1) Open flame operations must be subject to a strict work approval system.

(2) Before any operation, a risk assessment must be rigorously conducted, the operation meticulously organized, and preventative measures implemented. Safety precautions must be emphasized, and necessary training must be provided to the personnel involved.

(3) Before any open flame operation, the work environment must be inspected according to regulations, and flammable and explosive materials must be removed from the deck (or equipment) surrounding the point of ignition, the area behind the cabin, and at least within a 1-meter radius. 

(4) Open flame operations must meet certain technical conditions: 

• the concentration of combustible gas must not exceed 1% of the lower explosive limit, and the relative wind speed must be less than 13.8 m/s; 

• before open flame operations, any cables that may affect the operation site should be removed or their power supply cut off and safely covered; 

• removable pipes and other components should be moved to a welding room or safe location for welding repair; before open flame operations in confined spaces, sufficient and continuous ventilation should be provided to ensure that the oxygen content in the air reaches 19.5%; 

• before open flame operations are carried out in fuel oil tanks, lubricating oil tanks, oil supply tanks, pump rooms, isolation tanks, ballast tanks, etc., a "Certificate for Removal of Combustible Gases from Ships" issued by the relevant department must be obtained; 

• for compartments or spaces that have passed explosion testing, open flame operations must commence within 4 hours, otherwise, a new explosion testing and approval must be obtained; welders must hold a qualified certificate recognized by the competent authority.

(5) Carefully inspect the operating tools, including whether the heat-resistant clothing and protective glasses are intact, whether the welding machine and wires are leaking electricity, and whether there are any gas leaks in the oxygen cylinders and acetylene cylinders. 

Thermal insulation clothing

Marine CCS Firefighting suit

Aluminum fire suit

Oxygen Cylinders

SCBA

Self-contained breathing apparatus

(6) Prepare fire extinguishers and medical aid equipment.

Marine internal carbon dioxide

Firefighting system

Marine internal HFC-227ea

Firefighting system

(7) Clearly define the circumstances under which open flame operations are prohibited.

(8) After open flame operations are completed, the work site should be cleaned up, and areas where sparks may have been sprayed should be thoroughly inspected to prevent fires.

(9) Ships should regularly strengthen fire safety and emergency response training.