Safety Flash
MAIB: Is your Lead-Acid battery safe?
MAIB: Is your Lead-Acid battery safe?
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 11/25
- Electrical SafetyExplosionInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- Electrical safetyExplosion
- Inspection and maintenance
- Ignition source controlPreventive maintenanceVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A barge crew member escaped injury when four lead-acid batteries exploded during generator starting. The steel locker contained the explosion. Investigation identified batteries unsuitable for continuous float charging. The flash highlights documented maintenance and replacement records, ventilated battery stowage and corrosion-resistant, flame/explosion-proof compartment lighting.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published Safety Digest 1/2025, consisting of lessons from recent Marine Accident Reports.
IMCA SF 11/25. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.