Safety Flash
Hazard potential from equipment using enclosed rechargeable batteries
Hazard potential from equipment using enclosed rechargeable batteries
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 09/01
- Electrical SafetyExplosionInspection and MaintenancePressure Systems
- ExplosionPressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Remotely operated vehicle
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresPre-use checksPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
Summary
Two incidents involved exploding rechargeable-battery housings: a Divescan UPS lid was expelled during workshop testing, and an ROV CTD probe battery casing exploded. Neither caused injury. The flash sets out inspection, competent maintenance, precautions for potentially pressurised housings, manufacturer-specified charging and battery-history recording.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
Enclosed rechargeable battery equipment unexpectedly expelled or ruptured housings, prompting inspection, charging, maintenance and pressure-release precautions.
IMCA SF 09/01. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, inspection and maintenance, pressure systems.