SHIPBOARD WELDING

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 304, 18 September 1943, Page 9

SHIPBOARD WELDING

Fire Protection Question

Following a fire on a steamer resulting from oxy-acetone welding it was proposed to the Wellington Harbour Board by lhe fire board that whenever such work, was being done an officer of the hre brigade should be employed to keep watch. J lie harbour board replied that the proposal was one for the Aliirine Dcpiii’tuicnt, to which it was being referred. . Yesterdav the lire brigade .superintendent, Mr. C. A. Woolley. reported to the fire board that a conference between Mr. Breeze (chief inspector and surveyor ot ships for the Marine Department), Captain Peterson (harbourmaster) and Deputy-Superintedent H. Bruce (Wellington Fire Brigade) had been held on September 2on the subject. The result was that an amendment to the regulation governing fire prevention on ships was proposed, mid would be forwarded ioi l il consideration of the Marine Department as follows: — , , . “The master of any vessel shall not permit welding operations to be carried out under any conditions where a lire could be started among cargo, insti ntion, oils, refuse, or any other combustible material without the authority of the harbourmaster. and where such hazards exist the part of a ship so affected must be first inspected by an officer, ot the local fire brigade, who shall decide wbethcwatching duty should be earned out during any welding operations. M note watching duty is deemed necessary this dutv shall be performed by an officei of the local fire brigade or a responsible person authorized by the harbour board.