The Club has recently been notified by New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of a cargo hold fire caused by the lighting system in a vessel hold. Members are advised that alternative LED lighting should be considered, to reduce the potential risk to ship safety posed by lights that radiate high levels of heat.

QUOTE

The fire on board was caused by radiated heat from an incandescent reflector lamp fitted in a cargo light igniting the timber cargo.

While it is widely known that incandescent reflector lamps produce heat, the findings of this investigation offer valuable information to ship designers, owners and operators to consider when selecting the means of lighting in the cargo holds and other parts of their ships. There are equivalent lighting options, such as LED lamps, that do not produce the same high temperatures.

UNQUOTE

Source of Information

Loss Prevention / New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC)