Safety Flash
Accidental Mixing of Different Fuel Oils
Accidental Mixing of Different Fuel Oils
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/18
- Control of WorkHuman FactorsProcess Safety
- Human factors
- Fluid transferTank gauging and sampling
- Storage tanksValve
- Operating and work proceduresOperational supervision
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A vessel at anchorage experienced accidental mixing of ultra low sulphur and heavy fuel oils after transfer valves remained open overnight. Gravity transfer contaminated the fuel. The flash identifies inadequate oversight and procedural compliance, describes sampling for laboratory analysis, and records renewed reference to procedures and their display near the operating panel.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Tank gauging and sampling.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Incorrectly positioned fuel valves caused substantial contamination between two fuel tanks, exposing weaknesses in supervision and procedure compliance.
IMCA SF 06/18. Themes: control of work, human factors, process safety.