Safety Flash
WSH: Two workers passed out and died in a dredger's ballast tank
WSH: Two workers passed out and died in a dredger's ballast tank
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 20/21
- Competence and TrainingConfined SpaceEmergency ResponsePersonal Protective Equipment
- Confined space hazards
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- Personal protective equipment
- Competence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescueVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A safety flash describes a supervisor collapsing during a dredger ballast-tank inspection and two workers collapsing during attempted rescues. Two died; one recovered after forced ventilation was introduced. WSH recommendations address authorisation before opening confined spaces, appropriate entry training and avoiding solo rescue without proper PPE.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
The Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore (WSH) reported in Accident Notification of 24 May 2021, that two workers had passed out and died in a dredger’s ballast tank.
IMCA SF 20/21. Themes: competence and training, confined space, emergency response, personal protective equipment.