FIRE FIGHTING LAKE MAGGIORE

YACHT SERVICE - Nautical Firefighting Systems Lake Maggiore. For your safety: fire prevention and action on board.

YACHT SERVICE - Nautical Firefighting Systems Lake Maggiore proposes some reflections on the risk of fire on board the pleasure craft. Probably the most dangerous maritime accident on board a yacht, with the exception of man overboard, is the outbreak of a fire. Whether at sea or in port, a fire leaves only very little time to react efficiently.The average owner generally has no experience of how to deal with a fire, and even on his own boat he doesn't necessarily know how to proceed professionally in the event of a fire. Not only is it important to know how to react efficiently when a fire breaks out; it can also be useful to evaluate in advance the potential dangers on board, to reduce the risk of fire from the start. An improperly installed electrical system, as well as an LPG system in poor condition, can both be potential causes of fire. If petrol is used on board as a fuel, the owner should be aware that the flash point of the petrol is below -20 ° C. As a result, the risk of fire or explosion, even with minimal leaks from the fuel system, is extremely high. Similarly, the risk of fire should not be underestimated when using the galley, which is often mounted in a confined space and close to flammable material.The following article intends to help the owner develop the necessary awareness to evaluate any preventive measures, but above all the opportunities to efficiently manage the fire fighting action on board your own boat.

What are the main causes of a fire on board? There are no European statistics on the causes of fires on board recreational boats. But it can be assumed that the electrical system and the kitchen are among the main causes. A layman often does not realize: electrical cables of too small section risk overheating and can thus cause a fire with the surrounding combustible material. The on-board electrical systems, typically at low voltage, work with high currents that easily lead to dangerous overheating. If an existing electrical system is integrated or modified unprofessionally, the risk of fire is serious. . Chargers should be electronic and suitable for the type of battery used. The galley is often relatively cramped and around the kitchen is flammable material: wood, fiberglass, fabric, paint and varnish. A splash of water in a pan with hot oil immediately generates flames that can start the fire. An inadvertent leak of fuel, especially gasoline, accumulates in the engine compartment or bilge. In these poorly ventilated spaces, even at low temperatures, a highly explosive mixture of gasoline vapor and air rapidly develops. The fuel lines must therefore be checked regularly for leaks and the engine compartment must be ventilated before starting the engine. Current legislation provides for CE marked units to have a device that guarantees automatic forced ventilation of the engine compartment before starting a petrol engine. Similar systems are absolutely recommended also on all other boats. Fire-fighting measures on board The fire-fighting actions on board must be started almost simultaneously with the outbreak of the fire; as soon as this begins to spread, it is generally too late to hope to be able to fight it with the means available on board. It must be taken into account that the smoke released inside the boat can prevent the extinguishing action, especially since the smoke generated by the combustion of fiberglass is highly toxic, and can lead to fainting and generate serious poisoning after only a few minutes. In the event of a fire in the engine compartment, generator or liquid or gaseous fuel heating system, the first action should be to cut off the fuel supply. In the event of a fire in the kitchen, the valve on the gas cylinder must be closed immediately. It is of utmost importance that the owner and his guests on board are aware of where and how to operate the respective shut-off valves. Fire extinguishers, as well as any fixed systems, are normally on board a boat. In order to ensure efficient intervention, fire extinguishers must be easily accessible and ready for use. In addition, it must be known which type of fire extinguisher, i.e. which type of extinguishing agent is to be used for the ongoing fire. If the extinguishing agent is wrong, there is the risk of accelerating the propagation. In addition to the installation of smoke detectors, fire prevention should also include the installation of fixed and automatic extinguishing systems, for example in closed rooms such as the engine compartment or the compartment containing the generator. The classes of fire and the corresponding fire-fighting equipment on board The European standard UNI EN2 2005 divides fires into the following fire classes:

Depending on the type of combustible material and the location where the fire broke out, you need to use the right fire extinguisher with the appropriate extinguishing agent.

The fire extinguishers used on board must be CE marked and provide information on the fire classes for which the extinguisher is intended, as well as on the extinguishing capacity. It also indicates whether and under what conditions the fire extinguisher can be used on live electrical equipment.

The most common fire extinguishers on board are usually ABC powder fire extinguishers. They can be used for class A, B and C fires. In principle they are highly effective, non-toxic and relatively inexpensive in relation to their extinguishing capacity. A serious disadvantage is given by highly corrosive dust residues, which can cause serious damage to the engine system, electrical system and on-board electronics. In addition, use in tight environments is problematic due to the formation of dust clouds that decrease visibility.

Generally foam fire extinguishers can be used to fight class A and B fires. This type of fire extinguisher is also characterized by an important effectiveness, while generating less problematic residues than the above dust.

There are also special foam-based fire extinguishers, also suitable for extinguishing fires of class F cooking fats and oils.

In some circumstances, even a fire blanket can be used profitably to fight a kitchen fire.

CO₂ extinguishers extinguish without leaving residues, thanks to the carbon dioxide which replaces the oxygen in the air and therefore suffocates the fire. In general, these fire extinguishers are approved for class B fires. A disadvantage is that during the suffocation action, the fire is not cooled and therefore there remains the risk that any residual embers will re-ignite the fire as soon as it reaches it. new oxygen. Due attention must be paid! Furthermore, carbon dioxide is harmful to health if its concentration in a closed environment is high. A room that has just been flooded with carbon dioxide to suffocate a fire, must be ventilated before people enter it. Consequently, the use of CO₂ extinguishers is particularly recommended in closed environments that are not normally occupied or frequented by people, such as the engine room. Particularly in the event of a fire in the engine compartment, a hatch should never be opened to extinguish; the oxygen contained in the air that flows in that instant fuels the fire and accelerates its propagation. Instead, there should be a dedicated extinguishing port, also called a fire orifice or hatch, through which the extinguishing agent is injected.

The engine compartment is also strongly recommended for the installation of CO₂ extinguishers constituting a fixed fire-fighting system with automatic and manual action.

Furthermore, fixed automatic systems can be charged with HFC-227 gas, also known by the trade name FM-200. The extinguishing performance is comparable to CO₂ extinguishers, while with the same extinguishing capacity, the volume of the cylinders is smaller. The use of this gas is less critical because it is less harmful to health than carbon dioxide.

CE marked boats and vessels must be equipped with at least those fire-fighting equipment listed and described in their Owner's Manual.

YACHT SERVICE - Nautical Firefighting Systems Lake Maggiore. Safety in navigation: installation of fire extinguishers and fixed firefighting systems.

YACHT SERVICE - Nautical Firefighting Systems Lake Maggiore is available for any information on the matter, as well as being available to carry out on-board inspections for the purpose of assessing the fire risk and to propose, supply and install the most suitable fire-fighting equipment.