201656 BBQ pit runneth over

As edited from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Shipping Circular No. 4 – 2016

The Port Authority has recently experienced several incidents involving barbecue pits on board ships causing a fire or explosion. Crew have received second and third degree burns as a consequence. Investigation into these incidents have revealed that the persons preparing the barbecue had used paint thinner, which is an inappropriate fuel, to light the charcoal or sustain the fire on the barbecue pit.

Lessons learned
- The risks of fire and explosion when lighting such fires should be adequately addressed within the company SMS.
- At no time should inappropriate fuel be used to light a barbecue