Safety Flash
Agitator started moving during mud tank cleaning – leading to injury
Agitator started moving during mud tank cleaning – leading to injury
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 12/20
- Confined SpaceContractor ManagementIsolationLine of Fire
- Line of fire
- Confined space entry
- Rotating machinery
- Contractor managementEnergy and process isolationLockout and tagoutRisk assessment
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A contractor cleaning a vessel’s mud tank was struck by an unexpectedly starting agitator, suffering bruising and a broken rib. The flash examines omitted isolation, inadequate risk-assessment review and unclear departmental and contractor responsibilities. Actions address physical verification, lockout and tagging, isolation certification and improved communication.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Lockout and tagout; LOTO; lockout/tagout.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
An agitator in a mud tank started up when an employee of a third-party contractor working in the tank was in the way. He was hit by the agitator paddle in his lower back and fell to the tank floor.
IMCA SF 12/20. Themes: confined space, contractor management, isolation, line of fire.