Safety Flash
Explosion causing fatal injury during maintenance of Metocean buoy
Explosion causing fatal injury during maintenance of Metocean buoy
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/13
- CorrosionExplosionHot Work and FireInspection and Maintenance
- CorrosionExplosionHydrogen safetyLine of fire
- Hot workInspection and maintenance
- Grinding equipmentValve
- Exclusion zonesIgnition source controlOperating and work procedures
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A crewman suffered fatal injuries when grinder sparks ignited hydrogen inside a recovered metocean buoy, projecting instrument components outwards. Investigation identified corrosion, cracked battery cases, inadequate maintenance and unfulfilled purging procedures. The flash describes pressure equalisation, air or nitrogen purging, ignition restrictions and precautions against exposure to the compartment lid.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Grinding equipment; angle grinder; grinding wheel.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported an incident in which a crewman was fatally injured during the recovery and maintenance of a metocean buoy, after it had been in use in-sea for a period of around two years.
IMCA SF 05/13. Themes: corrosion, explosion, hot work and fire, inspection and maintenance.