Safety Flash
Emergency lithium battery failed catastrophically in a diving bell
Emergency lithium battery failed catastrophically in a diving bell
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 25/20
- DivingElectrical SafetyExplosionManagement of Change
- ExplosionFire
- Diving operationsInspection and maintenance
- Diving bellValve
- Emergency responseManagement of change
Summary
A diving bell’s emergency lithium battery failed with an explosion and small fire after its pod flooded through an incorrectly fitted replacement check valve. No injuries occurred. The flash highlights interchangeable valve connections, absent management of change and crew uncertainty about immediate battery-fire response.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Diving bell; closed bell; wet bell.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Summary
An incorrectly oriented replacement valve flooded a diving-bell battery pod, causing a lithium battery explosion and fire.
IMCA SF 25/20. Themes: diving, electrical safety, explosion, management of change.