IMCA Safety Flash 28-22
IMCA has published Safety Flash 28-22.
Click to download the IMCA Safety Flash 28-22 here.
MAIB: Worker falls between vessel and quay
A shore worker boarded a berthed bulk carrier via the gangway to obtain a signature on some paperwork. Because of the falling tide, the gangway was then stowed, its safety net was removed and the crew started to rig an alternative means of safe access and egress. The shore worker returned to the deck with the signed paperwork and was advised by the crew to wait a few minutes for this to be safely prepared for his disembarkation. He was also informed that the gangway was no longer in use for access.
Accidental swallowing of paint thinners
A crew member thought they were drinking water from a used mineral water bottle and actually drank paint thinners by mistake. The content of the bottle was not marked, and the bottle was incorrect for the temporary storage of the chemical.
Near miss: pipe dropped from pipe supports
During the cleaning of a section of pipe at a third-party facility, the pipe rolled off the pipe support easels and dropped to the floor. There was no injury to personnel nor damage. The incident happened when a worker was using an angle grinder with an abrasive sanding wheel to clean the pipe. The pipe was supported by two easels at either end with only minimal wedges or restraint to prevent the pipe rolling off the supports. The worker turned the pipe to get to the underside and during this action the pipe rolled off the supports dropping to the ground.
Oil tank sight glass push buttons wired open
On a visit to an engine room, a serious bypassing of safety controls was observed. Both top and bottom level check push buttons on an Oil Tank Sight Glass were inhibited by wire. The sight glass is used to check the oil level in storage tanks. It is designed such that a button has to be pushed to check and verify the level of the oil tank. The button allows a connection between the sight glass and the oil tank. Whilst the button was wired open, if the glass tube were to be accidentally broken or damaged, then the contents of the tank could easily spill into the engine room with consequent further serious hazard of slips/trips, fire, and lack of oil where it was intended.
BSEE: Unsafe chemical use and disposal
Incident 1: During the disposal of expired paint products, a worker mixed epoxy resin and solidifier in a container. In a second container, Carboline epoxy paint A & B components were mixed. Finally, the two containers were mixed into a five gallon bucket and placed in a paint locker. Five minutes later, the worker noticed smoke coming from the locker. The worker placed the bucket into a larger container filled with water and left. Twenty minutes later, the worker’s supervisor noticed white smoke coming from the container, and called the control room.
