Safety Flash
Bell contamination
Bell contamination
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 10/07
- DivingHazardous SubstancesHydrocarbon Release
- Hazardous substancesLoss of containmentRespiratory hazards
- Diving operations
- Breathing apparatusDiving bellGas detector
- Atmospheric gas testingOperating and work proceduresRisk assessmentVentilation
- Subsea
Summary
A subsea fitting failure exposed divers to a hazardous substance from a pressurised hose. Contamination entered the bell, where a diver felt faint and the analyser did not alarm. The flash examines infrared detection limitations and recommends enhanced diving procedures, decontamination, appropriate atmospheric testing and chemical safety assessments.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Respiratory hazards; respirable dust; inhalation hazards.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Diving bell; closed bell; wet bell.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
A Member has reported that during a recent diving project, a subsea fitting failure caused divers to become contaminated with a hazardous substance released from a hose under pressure.
IMCA SF 10/07. Themes: diving, hazardous substances, hydrocarbon release.