Safety Flash
Spillage of methanol during cargo operations
Spillage of methanol during cargo operations
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 15/15
- Emergency ResponseEnvironmentHazardous SubstancesLifting Operations
- Hazardous substancesLoss of containmentMechanical failure
- Cargo transferLifting operations
- CraneStorage tanksValve
- Emergency responseOperating and work proceduresStop-work authority
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
An empty methanol tank being lowered onto a support vessel struck a full tank, damaging its valve and releasing approximately 1000 litres. The flash describes an unsuccessful removal attempt, the crew’s water-dousing response, failures to review cargo documentation, and lessons on certificate checks, stop-work policy and emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Cargo transfer; cargo handling.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Crane; cranes.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported an incident in which the valve on a cargo tank was damaged, causing a leak of approximately 1000 litres of methanol.
IMCA SF 15/15. Themes: emergency response, environment, hazardous substances, lifting operations.