IMCA Safety Flash SF-21-23
IMCA has published Safety Flash 21-23
Click to download the IMCA Safety Flash 21-23 here
Fatality during transfer of pipes
What happened
A member passes information to IMCA relating to a recent fatality on a ship alongside. The incident occurred during the transfer of pipework between the quay and vessel.
Getting fall arrest equipment right
What happened
A crew person was changing the lamp bulbs on the vessel mast, working at a height of around 4m above the deck. The person was wearing a full set of PPE including a certified safety harness with a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber. There was a Permit to Work in place.
Paper shredder – explosion
What happened
There was a small explosion in an office paper shredder. It happened after the blades were lubricated to ensure that the paper shredder cutting blades ran smoothly and to prevent paper jams after a period of intensive use.
MSF: Air Cylinder – High Pressure Discharge
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) have published Safety Alert 23-10 relating to a pillar valve failure.
What happened
During preparations to land a leaking breathing apparatus bottle ashore, a crew member was draining the remaining pressure from the bottle when the pillar valve broke off from the top. On inspection of the damaged valve, it was found that there was a fracture of the threaded end which had resulted in failure along a crack likely caused by metal fatigue.
BSEE: Improper use and application of high-pressure hoses
What happened
During a recent offshore inspection, a BSEE inspector observed operator personnel installing a 30m high pressure hose, with a Maximum Working Pressure (MWP) of 5000 psi, to test pressure safety valves on pipeline pumps. The hose used was designed for hydraulic fluid and was not suitable for high-pressure nitrogen; when nitrogen gas at 2500 psi was injected into the hydraulic hose, the hose blistered, allowing nitrogen gas to leak.
