Safety issue: MO-2014-008-SI-03 - Fixed fire suppression system

Fixed fire suppression system

Issue number:	MO-2014-008-SI-03
Who it affects:	All persons responsible for the maintenance of equipment
Issue owner:	KLCSM
Operation affected:	Marine: Shipboard operations
Background:	Investigation Report 312-MO-2014-008
Date:	20 April 2016

Safety issue description

Marigold’s Halon gas fixed fire suppression system for the engine room was not fully operational. The multiple failures of the system at the time of the fire were not consistent with proper maintenance and testing.

Proactive Action

Action organisation:	KLCSM
Action number:	MO-2014-008-NSA-003
Date:	20 April 2016
Action status:	Released

The company has updated its planned maintenance system with amended checks and increased frequency for inspecting the main distribution valves of fixed fire suppression systems.

ATSB response:

The ATSB acknowledges the safety action taken by KLCSM to increase the frequency of inspecting fixed fire suppression system distribution valves. However, the checks and inspection routines that were in place at the time of the fire had failed to detect the issues that resulted in the multiple failures of Marigold’s Halon system. This indicates that KLCSM’s procedures for equipment maintenance and crew knowledge/training in this regard require a thorough review. The ATSB has issued the following recommendation to KLCSM.

Recommendation

Action organisation:	KLCSM
Action number:	MO-2014-008-SR-035
Date:	20 April 2016
Action status:	Released

The ATSB recommends that KLCSM takes action to address the safety issue with regard to the maintenance of ships’ fixed fire suppression systems to ensure they are fully operational at all times.


Current issue status:	Partially addressed
Status justification:	Further safety action by KLCSM with regard to the maintenance of ships’ fixed fire suppression systems to ensure they are fully operational at all times is necessary to adequately address this issue.