5.
Flammable Liquids used on Board Ships
Most commonly found on board are bunker fuels, lube oils of various grades, diesel oils, kerosene,
paints and thinners.
For some flammable liquids, rate of vapour release is over a wide temperature range e.g. gasoline gives
off vapour even at minus 43c thus proving itself a continuous fire hazard.
Heating increases the rate of vapour release. This vapour is heavier than air, will seek low places, can
spread to a distant source of ignition and dissipate slowly.
Bunker fuels and lube oils must be heated to release sufficient vapour for combustion. But once a light
or heavy flammable liquid is burning, radiation feedback and the chain reaction quickly increase flame
production.
Watch out for oil leaks even if minor and rectify them immediately.
Good housekeeping goes a long way in preventing fires caused by flammable liquid splits.
Any spilled liquid should be wiped off surface using rags of sawdust.
Source: www.marineinsight.com