Warning - Fire risk with inboard petrol engines
by NSW Maritime on 4 Nov 2010
Warning - Fire Risk With Inboard Petrol Engines NSW Maritime
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
NSW Maritime has issued a warning to boat owners about the risk of petrol vapour.
Owners of boats fitted with petrol inboard engines, or with under-floor fuel tanks need to take extra care when it comes to maintenance and operation, and especially refuelling. The vast majority of recreational powerboats have outboard petrol engines that hang off the back of the vessel with a removable fuel tank.
In contrast, inboard engines are in the boat which makes it much more important to ensure they do not leak fuel or fumes.
Petrol has a much lower flashpoint than diesel and petrol vapour ignites far more easily.
Petrol fumes are denser than air and can accumulate in a vessel’s bilge or in low parts of a cabin if not properly ventilated. Petrol fumes can easily explode if there are any ignition sources present, such as a naked flame or even an electrical spark.
The main risk is just after refuelling. However, fire or explosions can occur at other times if there is even the smallest fuel leak.
Some safety tips for boats with inboard petrol engines are:
Switch off the engine before refuelling;
Turn off all potential sources of flames or sparks such as cigarettes, pilot lights and batteries;
Know where the nearest spill kit is located, and consider carrying a small kit on board;
Have all passengers and crew leave the vessel;
Do not overfill the tank;
Clean up any fuel spill;
Use your sense of smell to judge if the boat is free of fumes;
Only allow passengers on the vessel after the engine has started and run for several minutes;
Don’t use a vacuum cleaner onboard, which can suck petrol fumes into the electric motor; and
Carry a fire extinquisher.
The BIA also recommends ensuring boats are well ventilated when refuelling in cold and windy weather at all times, as gases can be drawn into a vessel’s cockpit area from the exhaust.
The BIA has introduced a 50 Point Safety Check program for vessels under 8 metres. Shipwrights can assist in checking for problems in larger vessels. See http://www.50pointcheck.com.au or www.shipwrights.com.au
For more information on the prevention of boat fires go to www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
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