Safety Flash
MSF: Grub screws and perished valves – trouble with methanol transfer
MSF: Grub screws and perished valves – trouble with methanol transfer
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 30/20
- Control of WorkEnvironmentHazardous SubstancesInspection and Maintenance
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentMechanical failure
- Cargo transferFluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Preventive maintenanceSafety communication
- Marine industry
Summary
This flash describes unrecognised methanol discharge to sea during vessel cargo transfers. An incorrectly retained spool piece and passing valves allowed flow through the flushing line; a grub screw restricted one valve’s closure. Recommendations address recorded cargo receipt confirmation, transfer-system configuration checks and updating planned maintenance.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Cargo transfer; cargo handling.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
Defective valves and incorrect system configuration caused methanol to discharge unnoticed to sea during cargo transfer.
IMCA SF 30/20. Themes: control of work, environment, hazardous substances, inspection and maintenance.