Analysis of the international freight and cargo handling insurer’s claims history reveals that a fifth of all losses and damage to port equipment are related to fire. There exists a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce and terminal users that must be addressed.
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TT Club is warning cargo handling and terminals operators that fire remains a major cause of damage and losses to port and terminal equipment.The insurance specialist’s analysis of a ten-year claims history shows that of the near 1600 fire-related claims it has received over that period, some 19% have involved this equipment. With some minor variation over the years, the percentage has remained relatively consistent.
Percentage of claims relating to equipment“Fire risk not only poses a significant concern in terms of insured losses and obvious operational disruption, fire also presents a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce, facility visitors/users and indeed the general public,” comments Neil Dalus from TT’s Loss Prevention department. “As a result we strongly advise that fire detection and suppression systems in port equipment are considered by operators as critical safety measures.”TT Club also commends the recently published white paper by the Port Equipment Manufacturing Association (PEMA]) entitled 'Fire Detection and Suppression Systems for Mobile Port Equipment'. The paper is comprehensive in its coverage of fire safety measures and particularly emphases importance of regular maintenance, collaborative risk assessments, adherence to industry standards, and of course mandatory regulations.
Among the essential information contained in the PEMA white paper are the range of available technologies for fire detection and suppression; current trends in electrification and automation together with their particular associated risks and environmental considerations when addressing the potential consequences of equipment fires.In summary Dalus concludes, “TT joins with PEMA in urging the installation of state-of-the-art fire suppression systems in all port equipment together with strict adherence to manufacturers’ service protocols and remote monitoring for autonomous equipment. Going forward we advise the close collaboration between fire suppression system suppliers, equipment manufacturers and port operators in tackling the dangerous trend in the consistent risk of fire.”
