Fire safety is not just a directive; it’s a pledge to prioritize the well-being of shipbuilders. Fire marshals play a vital role in the prevention of shipboard fires to help ensure everyone makes it home to their families at the end of the day.
“The team understands their contributions to keeping the gates open every day,” said Avery Moore, manager, Fire Prevention & Safety. “We are the ones to manage the risk, and take pride in keeping everyone safe.”
The responsibilities of a fire marshal include training and monitoring personnel aboard the vessel and avoiding potential at-risk behaviors and hazards. Shipbuilder experience is crucial in this role.
“I enjoy my involvement in critical decisions made aboard the vessel,” said Hieu Le, ship fire marshal. “As someone who came from craft, I love that I have the opportunity to use my knowledge and apply it to these key decisions.”
Fire prevention is a team effort between everyone in the shipyard. Constant communication and situational awareness keeps shipbuilders from causing harm to themselves or others.
“It’s about being a team player and helping everyone in the shipyard to work safely by pointing out potential hazards,” said Sheila Smallman, ship fire marshal. “Meeting with other shipbuilders through conversation and making them aware of dangers and hazards helps everyone practice safe working habits.”
Before shipbuilders can begin hot work, it’s important their work area is clear of any combustibles or flammables, equipment is protected with a fire cloth, and fire watches are in place as directed. All protocols ensure shipbuilders model the four pillars of safety, which focuses on zero fires, zero injuries, zero damages and zero compromise.
“This concept ties into the mission and purpose of Ingalls Shipbuilding because it gives a sense of relief to know shipbuilders are working as safely as possible,” said Erricka Rivera, ship fire marshal. “Working in an environment where it’s safe to conduct hot work means there is no chance of a fire starting in any work area or ship.”
When everyone is on the same page on the deck plate, this enhances safety precautions and brings vessels one step closer to being finished.
“The mission and purpose of Ingalls is to build and deliver a world-class product to the United States Navy and Coast Guard,” said Alan Anderson, ship fire marshal. “We can not achieve a world-class product if we damage equipment or material, or harm an individual because of a fire-related incident. That’s why Zero Fires is something we take seriously.”