|
|
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE
|
|
192. The
greatest vigilance must be exercised at all times against the possibility
of fire on board.
 The
Board of Trade Notices and separate instructions issued by the Company
must be carefully studied and closely followed by all ship's staff.
|
|
193. The
following precautions, which are not to be regarded as comprehensive, must
be taken against outbreak of fire in addition to any other precautions
which may be considered advisable by the Commander :-
|
| (a) |
When repair workmen are on board, ship's
staff must be aware of the exact location where burning, welding or any
other process requiring the use of heat or naked flame is being
undertaken. They will ensure that no inflammable material is left near the
site and keep fire fighting equipment ready at hand for instant use. A
watch is to be maintained at the site and on any adjacent compartments
which may be subject to fire hazard; when workmen have left after each
shift a search will be instituted for any potential source of fire, e.g.,
smouldering ropes, fire in rivet buckets, etc., to be followed by an
inspection about an hour later.
|
| (b) |
All inflammable articles, e.g., cotton
waste, oakum, tarpaulin, turpentine, kerosene oil, etc., must he stored in
a steel encased store- room above deck where possible. Disposable waste
material liable to spontaneous combustion, particularly oily sawdust, oily
cotton waste and similar items, must be collected in a bin with a
tight-fitting lid and disposed of without delay.
|
| (c) |
Contaminated cargo liable to spontaneous
combustion, e.g., oily cotton, must not be accepted for carriage.
Inflammable cargo, e.g., cotton, jute, etc., is to be carefully handled
and stowed and special fire precautions taken during handling and stowage.
|
| (d) |
"No Smoking" rule is to be
strictly enforced on labour and supervisory staff during cargo handling.
"No Smoking" boards are to be displayed, where necessary.
|
| (e) |
All electric lights and heaters are to be
switched off in unoccupied cabins. No additional electric points are to be
fitted in Officer / Crew accommodation or at any other place without
authorisation from the Base Port. The Chief Engineer Officer's permission
must first be obtained for such fittings.
|
| (f) |
Particular precaution must be taken against
fire risk on board when Officers and Crew are sent ashore during
fumigation and the Company's separate instructions covering this
contingency must be strictly followed.
|
|
194. The
Commander will cause to he maintained an efficient fire patrol on board
both at sea and in port. In cargo ships this duty will be performed by
Deck and Engineroom Crews but in passenger ship's Saloon Staff will be
detailed to patrol Saloon Cabins and Public Rooms.
The
Chief Engineer Officer will, in consultation with the Commander, institute
a patrol system for the Engine room spaces generally.
In
passenger ships carrying third class (bunked and unberthed) passengers not
less than one rating is to be stationed at the fore end, one amidships,
and one at the after end of the ship.
|
|
195.
Immediately on berthing at each port every ship must display in a
prominent and secure position, near the gangway, a "Fire Precautions
Board" showing positions of fire alarm, telephones, hydrants and
fire appliances on shore and the telephone numbers of Fire Brigade, Port
and Police Officers, Company's Agents and Superintendents, (where
available).
|
|
|
|
|
