Fire hazard on board – the dangers of tumble dryer filters

During a number of recent ship visits, our Risk Assessors have found many cases where the filter elements and filter chambers of the vessel's tumble dryers (both domestic and industrial units) have not been cleared of lint build up.

If the filters are blocked, the airflow is also blocked and the heat will build up in the machine which can eventually lead to a fire starting in the machine.

• All tumble dryer filters are cleaned either before every use or after every use of the machine to prevent the possibility of a serious fire on the vessel.

•  Filter meshes should be washed periodically to ensure that they are clean.
• A notice by the machine to ensure all crew follow the cleaning procedures.

For more information please contact