Safety Flash
Crew member fainted after working in water ballast tank
Crew member fainted after working in water ballast tank
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/20
- Confined SpaceHazardous SubstancesHydrogen Sulphide
- Confined space hazardsHydrogen sulphide
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- Atmospheric gas testingRisk assessmentSafety communicationVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A crew member collapsed after removing sediment and rust from a ship’s water ballast tank. Treatment addressed suspected hydrogen sulphide poisoning, but subsequent atmospheric tests found no harmful gases. The flash identifies shortcomings in hazard awareness and risk assessment, recommending space-specific assessment and effective briefings despite prior ventilation and personal monitoring.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Hydrogen sulphide; H2S; H₂S; hydrogen sulfide.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A crew member felt faint and subsequently collapsed after working in a confined space
IMCA SF 02/20. Themes: confined space, hazardous substances, hydrogen sulphide.