Safety Flash
Toxic gas emission from transponder
Toxic gas emission from transponder
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/02
- Hazardous SubstancesPersonal Protective EquipmentPressure Systems
- Hazardous substancesLoss of containmentPressure systems
- Valve
- Evacuation, escape and rescueExclusion zonesPressure reliefVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A recovered underwater transponder vented whitish material believed to be toxic, with leaking battery chemicals contacting water identified as the most likely explanation. The flash describes deck evacuation, increased accommodation airflow, quarantine, specialist dismantling and neutralisation of deck contamination. It urges users to obtain battery safety data and recognise venting or suspected water ingress.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A leaking lithium battery in an underwater transponder released toxic gases and pressurised vapour, requiring evacuation, isolation and specialist handling.
IMCA SF 05/02. Themes: hazardous substances, personal protective equipment, pressure systems.