The ship's safety management system procedures did not provide sufficient guidance to ensure that the crew appropriately assessed the risks associated with removing the stoppers from the hatch covers. As a result, adequate precautions, in the form of a continuous fire watch inside the cargo hold, were not implemented before they started removing the stoppers.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that Briese Schiffahrts should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and to take action where it is considered appropriate.