rbcoomer
Active member
Apologies if this has been highlighted before, but I have been reading the MAIB report on the Arniston/Windermere incident back in 2013 (published in January this year) https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/54c75f4ce5274a15b6000027/MAIBInvReport_2_2015.pdf
My interest was mainly because of my ongoing (slow) rebuild project and planned installation of diesel heating -with obvious similar potential pitfalls. Although I bookmarked the report back in January, I've only recently found some time to read the full report as my attention turns to interior layout and location of various key items.
I have to admit however that I was somewhat alarmed to learn that the owner/installer was a Gas Safe engineer! I was even more shocked by the use of lead based solder on an exhaust system, lack of fixings to secure the portable generator/exhaust and perhaps worse, the non-working CO alarms
Am I alone in thinking that these things should really be picked up even by an amateur, let alone someone qualified in heating/ventilation? Or is it the case of a little knowledge leading to complacency? I'm not aiming criticise, but before attempting anything like this, it would seem to me to be obvious to consider all the component parts and potential failures - and certainly seek advice on any grey areas. He 'tested' the improvised exhaust at home, but not under load (which would create more heat) and seems not to have given any thought to vibration/movement either.
The first job I did was to research the diesel heater I will use with particular attention to temperatures, installation, fixings and exhaust. Not only that, but I've looked at the ducted heat output and the temperatures attained/materials used to ensure all are well over specified. The job is still cheap as many of the parts I'm using are used/eBay etc so cost shouldn't be a factor to do something right and to a good, safe standard. My installation although of a similar nature is for heating rather than power, so I have to admit that the heat and potential for fire was my main concern given that almost everything on a GRP boat is combustible... I perhaps have an advantage in that I'm using a combustion source that is designed for the purpose and will use the correct ancillaries (exhaust fittings, fuel pump etc) but it does lead me to ponder if there is a market for affordable 'small boat' specific generators? Perhaps that's a minefield for safe installation? I did do some searching around and although found plenty, prices were notable by their absence - leading to the assumption that if you have to ask, it's almost certainly expensive! Is that part of the problem? The MAIB report highlights that DIY installation of suitcase generators in boats is potentially fairly widespread too, which worryingly suggests that this will happen again - especially given the fact that 30 CO related deaths were recorded by the BSS on inland waterways in the 20 years to February 2014.
I read the report mainly for the purposes of education and learning from/not repeating mistakes of others, but other than ensuring an air-tight bulkhead I had already covered all the other issues highlighted (along with a more suitable fuel feed). I know most tragedies are a chain of events rather than one single factor, but found the events here quite depressing. More education of recognising the signs of CO poisoning and fitting CO alarms is probably necessary in and around marinas and inland waterways, lakes etc.
With winter just around the corner (Sorry folks!) I thought the issue was perhaps worthy of highlighting so that those gearing up to stay afloat during that 95%(!) of the year and using the tail end of summer to get work done, can spend a few minutes assessing their own CO precautions and addressing as required...
My interest was mainly because of my ongoing (slow) rebuild project and planned installation of diesel heating -with obvious similar potential pitfalls. Although I bookmarked the report back in January, I've only recently found some time to read the full report as my attention turns to interior layout and location of various key items.
I have to admit however that I was somewhat alarmed to learn that the owner/installer was a Gas Safe engineer! I was even more shocked by the use of lead based solder on an exhaust system, lack of fixings to secure the portable generator/exhaust and perhaps worse, the non-working CO alarms
Am I alone in thinking that these things should really be picked up even by an amateur, let alone someone qualified in heating/ventilation? Or is it the case of a little knowledge leading to complacency? I'm not aiming criticise, but before attempting anything like this, it would seem to me to be obvious to consider all the component parts and potential failures - and certainly seek advice on any grey areas. He 'tested' the improvised exhaust at home, but not under load (which would create more heat) and seems not to have given any thought to vibration/movement either.The first job I did was to research the diesel heater I will use with particular attention to temperatures, installation, fixings and exhaust. Not only that, but I've looked at the ducted heat output and the temperatures attained/materials used to ensure all are well over specified. The job is still cheap as many of the parts I'm using are used/eBay etc so cost shouldn't be a factor to do something right and to a good, safe standard. My installation although of a similar nature is for heating rather than power, so I have to admit that the heat and potential for fire was my main concern given that almost everything on a GRP boat is combustible... I perhaps have an advantage in that I'm using a combustion source that is designed for the purpose and will use the correct ancillaries (exhaust fittings, fuel pump etc) but it does lead me to ponder if there is a market for affordable 'small boat' specific generators? Perhaps that's a minefield for safe installation? I did do some searching around and although found plenty, prices were notable by their absence - leading to the assumption that if you have to ask, it's almost certainly expensive! Is that part of the problem? The MAIB report highlights that DIY installation of suitcase generators in boats is potentially fairly widespread too, which worryingly suggests that this will happen again - especially given the fact that 30 CO related deaths were recorded by the BSS on inland waterways in the 20 years to February 2014.
I read the report mainly for the purposes of education and learning from/not repeating mistakes of others, but other than ensuring an air-tight bulkhead I had already covered all the other issues highlighted (along with a more suitable fuel feed). I know most tragedies are a chain of events rather than one single factor, but found the events here quite depressing. More education of recognising the signs of CO poisoning and fitting CO alarms is probably necessary in and around marinas and inland waterways, lakes etc.
With winter just around the corner (Sorry folks!
) I thought the issue was perhaps worthy of highlighting so that those gearing up to stay afloat during that 95%(!) of the year and using the tail end of summer to get work done, can spend a few minutes assessing their own CO precautions and addressing as required...
