Safety Flash
Ballast tank hydrogen
Ballast tank hydrogen
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 12/08
- Confined SpaceHazardous Substances
- Confined space hazardsHydrogen safety
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- Atmospheric gas testingOperating and work proceduresVentilation
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
A crew member lost consciousness after a tank was opened for planned maintenance on a semi-submersible accommodation unit. Later sampling identified unexpectedly high hydrogen levels, explained by an electrolytic reaction in the ballast tank below. The flash recommends regular venting, purging before opening, hydrogen testing before entry and reviewing sampling procedures.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
Summary
A crew member lost consciousness after hydrogen accumulated in a ballast tank during planned maintenance.
IMCA SF 12/08. Themes: confined space, hazardous substances.