Safety Flash
Hydrogen sulphide detected in a bilge tank
Hydrogen sulphide detected in a bilge tank
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 32/21
- Confined SpaceHazardous SubstancesHydrogen SulphideInspection and Maintenance
- Hydrogen sulphide
- Fluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Storage tanks
- Emergency responseAtmospheric gas testingStop-work authorityVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A vessel crew stopped bilge-water transfer after noticing a rotten-egg smell; a multi-gas meter detected 453 ppm hydrogen sulphide at the vent. The flash describes accumulated tank residue, delayed specialist cleaning, gas routing away from accommodation, continuous monitoring and respiratory protection, alongside lessons on machinery-space cleaning practices.
Classifications: Hydrogen sulphide; H2S; H₂S; hydrogen sulfide.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Accumulated bilge residue released hydrogen sulphide during tank cleaning, requiring monitoring, respiratory protection, ventilation and specialist removal.
IMCA SF 32/21. Themes: confined space, hazardous substances, hydrogen sulphide, inspection and maintenance.