The picture above is taken from the national Fire Kills campaign's 'Fire Safety on Boats' leaflet. Click here for a PDF. Click here for a PDF of the Boat Safety Scheme's leaflet, 'Avoiding Fire Afloat'.

18 May 2009

Boat enthusiasts and people who live on boats are being urged to make fire safety a priority by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and the Boat Safety Scheme

They are joining forces during Boat Fire Safety Week, which runs from 25 to 31 May, to urge the boating community to be more aware of the risks of a fire. 

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, they can have devastating consequences when they break out.

“Boats are often in remote locations with difficult access. This can result in firefighters taking longer to arrive at an incident, allowing a fire to destroy a boat and everything onboard.

“Our key messages are that you should fit a suitable smoke alarm, make an action plan so that you can escape in the event of a fire, and take extreme care when refuelling with petrol or changing gas cylinders.”

With over 450,000 motorised boats in the UK, and a growth in boating on many inland waterways in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging the boating population - particularly people who live on their boats - to check that their boats are equipped with the correct fire safety equipment.

Terry added: “Our wish is to see smoke alarms suitable for boats installed in all boats with overnight accommodation. Anyone in doubt about the alarm they need should contact us for a free Boat Fire Risk Check. We are here to make sure your boat is as safe from fire as possible.”

Boat Fire Risk Checks offer boaters the opportunity to gain invaluable help and advice about how to identify potential problems before a fire starts, and what to do if fire should break out.

Book on by ringing 01296 744477, emailing cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or filling in the online form here.

The Boat Safety Scheme’s role is to minimise the risks of fires or explosions on boats cruising the UK's inland waterways network, by specifying a set of requirements that most boats must meet before they can be granted a navigation licence. It also recommends a number of 'safety best practice' measures which enhance the personal health and safety of those on board privately owned boats.

Terry offered the following safety tips:

• Avoid using portable gas equipment onboard where possible, and store all gas canisters in special gas lockers or open places where any leaks will flow overboard.
  
  
• Check that all appliances are turned off and, if possible, close the valve on the LPG cylinders before you go to bed or leave the boat.
  
  
• Check such items as battery terminals and fuse box connections routinely for damaged strands or signs of overheating.
  
  
• Take care when doing repairs, and keep interiors well ventilated if you’re using adhesives, paints and spirit based products.
  
  
• Always keep your eye on a solid fuel stove when it’s lit, and try to avoid leaving the boat with the stove running.
  
  
• For boats, optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and sealed for life batteries are recommended as are choosing those with a British Standard ‘Kitemark’ or a LPCB ‘Horseshoe’ mark.  As with smoke alarms in the home, alarms should be tested regularly and should never be disconnected.
  
  
• If you must use candles, place them upright in suitable stable holders, out of draughts and away from curtains and furnishings. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure they are put out safely.
  
  
• Keep candles, matches, lighters and other sources of flames out of reach of children. Use only safety matches - vibration can ignite other types.
  
  
• Make sure cigarettes are put out safely and use metal ashtrays. Avoid falling asleep with a lit cigarette – never smoke in bed.
  
  
• Never leave a hot hob unattended, especially when cooking with oil or fat.
  
  
• Don’t over-bank solid fuel stoves overnight.
  
  
• Don’t fit curtains or fabrics over hob burners and don’t dry tea towels or clothes over a cooker or hob.
  
  
• Be careful when doing ‘hot’ work such as paint stripping or smouldering
  
  
• Practise ‘good housekeeping’ in order to reduce fire hazards. Regularly remove rubbish, oil and debris from all areas, especially the bilge. Discard oily waste responsibly.
  
  
• Create a safe store for goods such as diesel, coal, charcoal, wood, paint, solvents, adhesives or paraffin and ensure container lids are tight.
  
  
• When changing the upholstery fabrics, soft furnishings, foams, thermal insulation and galley surfaces in your boat, choose materials that offer good fire retardant qualities. Ask your supplier for assurances.  

Make a fire action plan

• Make sure that you know your boat and make a fire action plan with everyone in the boat.
  
  
• For each sleeping position, plan the best escape route and, if possible, identify a second way out. If the routes are windows or roof-hatches, make sure they are big enough and that they open fully with ease. If they don’t, provide a means to break the glass such as a small hammer. Footholds, ladders or other means of climbing out of the nominated roof-hatches must be quickly and easily accessible.
  
  
• Fire extinguishers should be sited where they can be at hand to help with your escape.
  
  
• Know how to isolate the electrical, fuel and LPG installations safely in the event of a fire or gas leak.
  
  
• Keep all escape routes completely clear.
  
  
• Don’t lock cabin door or hatches using padlocks on the outside when you are inside.
  
  
• Take note of nearby landmarks that may help identify your location in an emergency.  

For further information about boating fire safety, please contact the Boat Safety Scheme on 01923 201278 or visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire