201661 Vibration hazards

 

As edited from United States Coast Guard (USCG) Safety Alert 02-16

A tow boat and associated tow were underway. Unexpectedly, the main generator tripped offline and electrical power was lost. Power was quickly restored by a standby generator and the vessel and tow remained under control.

It was found that one of the primary leads exiting the generator housing had chafed against its steel enclosure, causing it to ground out. Investigators determined that other vessels operated by the same company had similar generators and wiring arrangements. Inspection of those generators showed similar signs of chafing and abrasion, but the wiring had not yet reached the point of failure.

 

Lessons learned

- Vibration is a well known causal factor in fuel oil spray fires. While this situation is different from a failed fuel line, the unsafe condition leading to the failure is similar.

- Always consider what could happen as a result of vibration. Inspect at-risk areas such as piping systems connected to the engine, engine mounts, pipe clamps, wire bundles, brackets, and areas where connected components pass through decks or overheads.