Safety Flash
SPHL battery charging – build-up of hydrogen
SPHL battery charging – build-up of hydrogen
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 31/16
- Electrical SafetyExplosionMachinery and Equipment
- ExplosionHydrogen safety
- Inspection and maintenance
- Lifeboat
- Alarm managementFunctional testingPreventive maintenanceVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Hydrogen accumulated in a self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboat cockpit during battery charging, and its ventilation system had no flow. The flash explains that fan alarms may not detect restricted vent pipes and identifies faulty lid seals as a potential problem. Recommended checks include polythene-bag airflow testing and weekly planned-maintenance verification.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifeboat; survival craft.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Blocked battery ventilation and defective seals allowed hydrogen to accumulate inside a hyperbaric lifeboat cockpit during charging.
IMCA SF 31/16. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, machinery and equipment.