Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Lloyds Register International (NZ)
Text
The fire on board the Kokopo Chief was caused by radiated heat from an incandescent reflector lamp fitted in a cargo light igniting the timber cargo.
While it is widely known that incandescent reflector lamps produce heat, the findings of this investigation offer valuable information to ship designers, owners and operators to consider when selecting the means of lighting in cargo holds and other parts of their ships. There are equivalent lighting options, such as LED lamps, that do not produce the same high temperatures.
On 19 September 2018 the Commission recommended, through Lloyd’s Register International, that the International Association of Classification Societies alert members to the potential risk posed by lights that emit high heat, such as ones fitted with incandescent reflector lamps, for them to consider when approving designs or auditing safe ship management systems on board ships.
While it is widely known that incandescent reflector lamps produce heat, the findings of this investigation offer valuable information to ship designers, owners and operators to consider when selecting the means of lighting in cargo holds and other parts of their ships. There are equivalent lighting options, such as LED lamps, that do not produce the same high temperatures.
On 19 September 2018 the Commission recommended, through Lloyd’s Register International, that the International Association of Classification Societies alert members to the potential risk posed by lights that emit high heat, such as ones fitted with incandescent reflector lamps, for them to consider when approving designs or auditing safe ship management systems on board ships.
Reply Text
LRI agrees with the investigator’s conclusion that this incident should be communicated to IACS for consideration; therefore our formal request for work on this matter was submitted to the IACS Machinery Panel.
Related Investigation(s)