Ctg port authority frames SOP to avert fire incidents

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has framed a standing operating procedure (SOP) comprising a set of regulations to be followed during any fire related works in the vessels and in the port’s restricted area to avert fire risks.
The security department of CPA issued a circular yesterday in this regard making it mandatory for all to follow the SOP A fine of upto Tk 5 lakh will be imposed if any of the regulations is violated, it added.
The authority has given emphasis on fire safety issues following two fire incidents on two vessels of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) early last month. One of those incidents occurred at Banglar Jyoti anchored at a dolphin jetty of the port.
Different kind of hot works such as repairs, welding, or cutting are often performed on the vessels arriving at the port. Such works are also done in the port’s jetty side, yards, and sheds.
CPA Director (Security) Lt Col Md Jahirul Islam said such hot works involve sparks or ignitions and increase risk of fire incidents.
He said the SOP has been framed to bring any risk of fire at zero level since any spark can be disastrous at the port areas that house valuable cargo and equipment.
The contractors or shipping agents would have to take approval from the CPA chairman 72 hours before performing hot works, according to the SOP.
After that, the contractors or shipping agents need to submit a copy of the approval to the fire department of CPA and have to inform the Port Fire Station two hours before starting the work, it stated.
Before any hot work, a fire officer of CPA Fire Department would inspect the spot and deploy fire fighters. On part of the the applicant firm, it has to take necessary fire safety measures as directed by the fire officer and will have to bring fire fighters on their own responsibility, the SOP stated.
All hot works will be allowed till 4:00pm in presence of firefighters, it added.