Safety Flash
LTI: Person injured by a battery explosion on vessel deck
LTI: Person injured by a battery explosion on vessel deck
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 34/20
- Electrical SafetyEmergency ResponseExplosionMachinery and Equipment
- ExplosionHydrogen safetyLine of fire
- Electrical workInspection and maintenance
- Personal protective equipment
- Emergency responseOperating and work proceduresSafety communicationVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A charged battery for portable subsea magnetic particle inspection equipment exploded during deck checks, projecting its housing lid and injuring a worker. Inadequate post-charge venting allowed an explosive atmosphere to develop; the precise ignition cause remained inconclusive. Lessons address venting times, charging instructions, toolbox talks, protective equipment and emergency response.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hydrogen safety.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Electrical work; electrical maintenance.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A battery housing exploded during checks after charging, seriously injuring a worker.
IMCA SF 34/20. Themes: electrical safety, emergency response, explosion, machinery and equipment.