Control
Ventilation
Air movement and exchange used to control hazardous atmospheres.
Newest 100 Documents
All 141 in search- 202621 Jul
Bio-Lab Inc. Conyers Fire and Chemical Release
Investigation of the Conyers chemical-storage warehouse fire and release examines sprinkler corrosion, water-triggered decomposition and emergency response. It identifies sprinkler component failure as the most likely initiating water source, analyses storage and ventilation shortcomings, and recommends corporate safeguards and broader reactive-hazard coverage. Supporting work includes AcciMap analysis and chemical testing.
- 2026Feb
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 11 (February 2026)
Six superyacht reports examine an unpermitted hull repair, a close-quarters encounter, grounding on uncharted coral, fuel-handling failure, hazardous acetone use in a bilge sump and premature anchor release. Commentary addresses reporting culture, collision avoidance, passage planning, fuel purification, respiratory protection limitations and confined-space precautions, emphasising communication and challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 2026Jan
D-PINCs (Operators Version - Jan 2026) — Drilling
A regulatory checklist for oil and gas drilling, linking numbered compliance questions to statutory authorities and enforcement actions. It addresses approvals, diverter configuration and testing, casing installation, cement placement, drilling-fluid management and monitoring. Further checks cover ventilation, gas detection, ignition prevention and retention of drilling and test records.
- 2025Dec
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 8 (December 2025)
Superyacht incident reports examine a failed mooring attachment, captain harassment, generator starter battery explosions, collision at anchor, unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, unprotected work aloft and defective life rafts. Commentary discusses battery capacity and ventilation, engineering handovers, equipment servicing and testing, reporting concerns and organisational safety culture.
- 20257 Nov
Smoke in the battery room
A vessel alongside experienced smoke from overheated nickel-cadmium batteries supplying a DP-system UPS. Crews isolated circuits and removed batteries for cooling, without injury or escalation. The flash examines uncertain causes, restricted cabinet access and incomplete records, highlighting battery inventories, detection, emergency training and installation improvements.
- 2025Nov
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholders’ COSHH arrangements and legal compliance. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine risk assessments, engineering controls, respirator fit testing, exposure monitoring and health surveillance. Performance descriptors link inspection findings to enforcement expectations and help prioritise future regulatory interventions.
- 202518 Jun
MAIB: Is your Lead-Acid battery safe?
A barge crew member escaped injury when four lead-acid batteries exploded during generator starting. The steel locker contained the explosion. Investigation identified batteries unsuitable for continuous float charging. The flash highlights documented maintenance and replacement records, ventilated battery stowage and corrosion-resistant, flame/explosion-proof compartment lighting.
- 20244 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 488 - Flash Fires During Welding Operations
A flash fire and blast during nozzle tack welding on a fuel gas scrubber propelled a tied-off welder against a rail without injury. Subsequent flammability readings ranged from 0 to 70% LEL. BSEE recommends considering improved atmospheric checks, ventilation, hot-work protocols, supervision, training and protective equipment.
- 202419 Feb
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
This safety flash summarises two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR, including unplanned entry while wearing an outside-use respirator. It reports rushing and non-compliance in the first case and a possible cardiac contribution in the second. BSEE recommends considering entry authorisation, task analysis, ventilation, communication, training and rescue arrangements where appropriate.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 74 (Spring 2024)
This maritime digest examines tug and barge safety, dry-ice asphyxiation, leaking bunker connections, sulphur-emission non-compliance, a fall during mast work, lift-maintenance hazards and open cargo hatches at sea. Commentary addresses leadership, familiarisation, ventilation, permits to work and verified isolation, alongside design shortcomings and protection for confidential reporters.
- 202313 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 477 - Hazards of Working in Confined Spaces
BSEE describes two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR: an unplanned entry to free a vacuum nozzle and illness followed by collapse during exit. The alert examines procedural lapses and rushing in the first case, and recommends operators consider entry planning, communication, ventilation, appropriate respiratory protection, rescue arrangements and current training.
- 202311 Dec
Foundation Food Group Fatal Chemical Release
Investigation of a fatal liquid nitrogen overflow at Foundation Food Group’s poultry plant. A deformed bubbler tube disabled freezer level control and overflow protection, producing an oxygen-deficient room atmosphere. The report examines design dependencies, missing monitoring and ventilation, emergency preparedness, process safety management and regulatory gaps.
- 202327 Nov
Case study: Confined space fatalities due to hydrogen sulphide
Three people died during gas sampling in a jack-up rig’s spud can; a standby worker survived exposure outside the opening. The summary links circumstantial evidence to hydrogen sulphide inhalation and examines unsuitable SCUBA equipment, restricted ventilation, unprotected rescue and contractor assurance. Proposed training covers monitoring, correct breathing apparatus and emergency response.
- 202314 Nov
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Risk in Offshore Environments
BSEE inspections identified elevated carbon monoxide exposure risks from gas-powered machinery on offshore facilities during calm weather. The alert examines accumulation in occupied spaces, delayed stationary detector alarms and occupational exposure limits. It recommends that operators and contractors consider portable detection, ventilation, exhaust integrity checks, machinery placement and personnel awareness measures.
- 20238 Sep
Welding Hazard Alert
This alert addresses welding fume exposure in the oil and gas industry, including respiratory and neurological harm from toxic metals. It presents open-air manganese exposure findings and outlines employer and worker responsibilities for air sampling, local exhaust ventilation, training, respiratory protection and chromium-related medical examinations.
- 2023May
Hydrogen Sulfide
Regulatory inspection questions address areas classified as hydrogen sulphide present or unknown. They cover contingency plans, training, drills, gas detection, respiratory protection, ventilation and medical equipment. Further checks address soluble sulphide testing, well-control fluid treatment, flaring, detector testing intervals and corrosion-resistant materials during well and production operations.
- 2023May
LPG forklift truck fire risk
This safety alert addresses fires during starting of LPG-powered forklift trucks and similar vehicles. Fuel-system deposits can cause valves to stick, while repeated starting attempts can release unburned gas. It specifies operator precautions and maintenance actions, including stopping further starting attempts, isolating the gas supply and ensuring ventilation.
- 202327 Apr
Carbon monoxide poisoning on board the sports cruiser Emma Louise with loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Emma Louise at Port Hamble Marina. Gas measurements and optical gas imaging indicated that engine exhaust likely entered the poorly ventilated covered cockpit via a towable ski ring at the transom. The report discusses marine carbon monoxide alarms, ventilation and awareness among recreational boat users.
- 202316 Feb
Fluid Transfer Transport
Hazard alert addressing toxic and flammable vapours, hydrogen sulphide and oxygen displacement during vacuum loading and offloading of produced fluids. It assigns responsibilities to facilities, hauling companies and drivers, covering atmospheric monitoring, training, conductive hoses, bonding and grounding, safe vent discharge and prevention of diesel-engine runaway.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning during Oxy-Acetylene brazing
A crew member suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while repairing a refrigeration valve using oxy-acetylene brazing. The flash identifies incomplete risk assessment, omitted exhaust ventilation and inconsistent mask requirements. Lessons address ventilation, exposure duration, air testing, conditional respirator use with personal CO monitoring, and further welding-hazard training.
- 2023Jan
Exposure to diacetyl vapour in food and drink manufacture
This safety alert addresses harmful diacetyl vapour exposure in food and drink manufacture, particularly coffee roasting and grinding and heated flavour mixtures. It sets out workplace exposure limits, risk assessment, sampling, substitution, temperature reduction, enclosure and extraction, with conditional respiratory protection and health surveillance. It also flags carbon monoxide in coffee processing.
- 2023Jan
Hydrogen Sulfide Release
This fatality alert describes hydrogen sulphide poisoning that killed a worker responding to a pump alarm and, later, his spouse at an oil production facility. It examines defective gas detection, missing detector-use policies, inadequate isolation arrangements and visitor access, alongside recommendations for lockout/tagout, ventilation assessment and detection-system assurance.
- 202228 Feb
Offshore Workers Exposed to Biological Hazards
This alert describes two offshore facilities where inspections found water leaks and mould in living quarters, leading to both facilities being unmanned. It outlines biological health hazards and recommends that operators consider leak inspection and repair, moisture control, ventilation, contaminated-material removal, protective equipment and conditional evacuation.
- 202125 Nov
Hydrogen sulphide detected in a bilge tank
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.
- 202124 Sep
AB Specialty Silicones, LLC
Investigation of a fatal hydrogen explosion during silicone-emulsion batch manufacture in Waukegan, Illinois. Reactivity experiments linked unintended potassium hydroxide addition to hydrogen generation. The report examines similar chemical drums, atmospheric batch tanks, ventilation, failed detector trials, evacuation preparedness and procedural checks, alongside process safety culture and regulatory gaps for reactive chemicals.
- 202122 Jul
WSH: Two workers passed out and died in a dredger's ballast tank
A safety flash describes a supervisor collapsing during a dredger ballast-tank inspection and two workers collapsing during attempted rescues. Two died; one recovered after forced ventilation was introduced. WSH recommendations address authorisation before opening confined spaces, appropriate entry training and avoiding solo rescue without proper PPE.
- 20212 Jun
Inhalation of toxic fumes during hot work
Two crew members suffered symptoms after heating a vessel’s thruster coupling released fumes from an anti-rust coating. The coating was unknown to the crew and no safety data sheet had been supplied. The flash examines cleaning instructions and ventilation used for cooling rather than extraction, highlighting assessment of toxic exposure risks.
- 202121 May
Aghorn Operating Inc. Waterflood Station Hydrogen Sulfide Release
This investigation summary examines a fatal hydrogen sulphide release at an Odessa waterflood station that killed an employee and his spouse. It identifies a broken pump plunger, while leaving failure timing unresolved, and examines detector nonuse, missing lockout procedures, inadequate ventilation, detection and alarm failures, and deficient site security.
- 202114 Apr
Carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Diversion with loss of 2 lives
This investigation examines two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Diversion at York. Exhaust leaked from an incompatible, non-marine cabin heater silencer and pipe connection, entering circulating air. Restricted ventilation and the absence of an alarm are analysed alongside installation checks, servicing and heater testing.
- 20218 Apr
SIMOPS – Smoke from hot work task enters confined space
During sewage-tank cleaning aboard a vessel in dry dock, a ventilation fan drew smoke from nearby oxy-propane cutting into the confined space. Workers evacuated without harm. The flash examines gas-detector placement, overdue calibration and missing bump tests, and identifies improvements to simultaneous operations planning and fume extraction.
- 202016 Dec
LTI: Person injured by a battery explosion on vessel deck
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.
- 202010 Dec
Entry to enclosed space on fishing vessel Sunbeam with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal tank entry aboard Sunbeam in Fraserburgh. Leaking refrigerant from corroded evaporator tubes displaced air in a refrigerated salt water tank. The report examines inadequate repairs, non-gastight isolation valves, normalised unsafe entry, absent atmospheric precautions, rescue arrangements and gaps in machinery survey oversight.
- 202025 Aug
Fire in welding fumes extraction system
A shore-based workshop was evacuated after filters in a welding fume extraction unit caught fire. Blocked filters allowed metal particles to accumulate, oxidise and heat up. Portable carbon dioxide extinguishers proved unsuccessful; emergency services used water and cooling. The flash recommends incorporating manufacturer-specified pressure-display checks into routine operation and maintenance.
- 20203 Jun
Safety Alert 388 - Malfunctioning Storage Batteries Cause Fires and Explosions
This alert describes several lead-acid battery fires and explosions involving internal shorts, ageing circuitry and heat accumulation. BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider battery dating, inspection and replacement policies, enclosure ventilation, suitable storage, correct battery selection and charger settings. It also highlights hydrogen generation during charging and related UPS hazards.
- 202010 Jan
Crew member fainted after working in water ballast tank
A crew member collapsed after removing sediment and rust from a ship’s water ballast tank. Treatment addressed suspected hydrogen sulphide poisoning, but subsequent atmospheric tests found no harmful gases. The flash identifies shortcomings in hazard awareness and risk assessment, recommending space-specific assessment and effective briefings despite prior ventilation and personal monitoring.
- 20198 Nov
Safety Alert 370 Overcharged Battery in Non-Ventilated Box
An RTU panel exploded after an overcharged 12-volt battery generated hydrogen in an unventilated enclosure. An unsuitable electrical component was the likely ignition source. No injuries or nearby equipment damage occurred. BSEE recommends operators consider compliant battery enclosures, installation arrangements preventing hazardous hydrogen accumulation, and electrical components rated for their area classification.
- 201923 Oct
Use of gas-fired oven cleaning equipment inside vehicles
HSE alerts suppliers, installers and users to hazards of LPG-fired oven cleaning equipment inside vehicles following a van explosion. It sets expected standards for cylinder storage, ventilation, driver separation, ignition control, gas isolation and training, and recommends substitution where reasonably practicable to eliminate or reduce risk.
- 201912 Aug
Near miss fire – epoxy overheating
Leftover mixed epoxy produced smoke in a freight container on a vessel’s deck. Closely stored cans prevented curing heat from dissipating, and the container was poorly ventilated. The flash recommends small quantities, ventilated storage on metal drip trays, frequent observation during cooling, separate storage risk assessments and available extinguishers.
- 201912 Aug
Near miss: Fire/explosion thermal runaway – lead acid battery
This safety flash describes an overheated, swollen lead acid battery found aboard a vessel. Charging heat accelerated the internal reaction, and the battery was at the end of its design life. Lessons address periodic maintenance, possible infrared inspection, suitable chargers and procedures, ventilation, fire protection and faulty-battery removal planning.
- 2019Feb
Change in Enforcement Expectations for Mild Steel Welding Fume
HSE strengthens enforcement expectations following evidence that mild steel welding fume can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer. The alert requires suitable exposure controls regardless of welding duration, addressing local exhaust ventilation indoors, respiratory protection for residual fume and outdoor welding, training, maintenance and revised risk assessments.
- 201928 Jan
Confined space entry: Worker died inside pump room
A worker died after losing consciousness while six workers dismantled valves in a vessel’s pump room and noticed fumes. The flash relays WSH precautions covering atmospheric ventilation, respiratory protection when adequate ventilation is impossible, and isolation, depressurisation and purging of hazardous-material pipelines before dismantling.
- 201819 Oct
Safety warning about working in enclosed spaces after the loss of 1 life on a fishing vessel
This bulletin presents initial findings from a fatal refrigerated salt water tank entry aboard Sunbeam at Fraserburgh. Testing found severe oxygen deficiency and Freon R22; refrigerant leakage through failed evaporator tubes was considered likely. It discusses hazardous rescue attempts and recommends tank-entry risk assessments, safe procedures and appropriate safety equipment.
- 20183 Aug
Near miss: onboard O₂ bottle leaked into diving bell
A diving bell near miss involved oxygen supply valves left partly open during pre-dive checks, emptying a bottle into the bell. Distraction, delayed topside readings and distrust of an unreliable analyser were identified. The run was aborted; subsequent measures included atmosphere flushing, additional valve checks, analysers and sourcing buffer tanks.
- 201811 May
Safety Alert 333 - Floating Production Platform Evacuated Amid Power Outage
This alert examines a floating production platform blackout and evacuation involving UPS failure, a potentially hazardous hydrogen release, deficient battery-room ventilation and shutdown logic that obstructed power restoration. Two further power incidents provide context. BSEE recommends considering reviews of black-start arrangements, electrical handover, ventilation maintenance and blackout-specific evacuation procedures.
- 201811 Apr
Tank Gauging Hazard Alert
This alert explains how opening storage-tank thief hatches can release concentrated hydrocarbon vapours, creating oxygen-deficient, toxic and flammable conditions. It addresses tank gauging, sampling and fluid handling, outlining exposure assessment, gas monitoring, worker training, remote or closed gauging arrangements, ventilation and stopping unsafe work.
- 2018
Manganese Exposures During Welding and Hot Work Tasks Presentation
Presentation examining manganese exposure during welding and hot work, neurological health effects and the basis for occupational exposure limits. It compares inhalable and respirable sampling results across working conditions, discusses local exhaust ventilation and worker positioning, and presents respiratory protection choices alongside welder engagement and implementation strategies.
- 20177 Dec
Gas explosions on general cargo ship Nortrader with 1 person injured
Investigation of two explosions aboard Nortrader at anchor in Plymouth Sound, injuring the chief engineer. Hydrogen generated by unprocessed incinerator bottom ash accumulated in the unventilated hold and entered the forecastle store. The report examines probable switchgear ignition, inadequate cargo testing and shortcomings in applying bulk-cargo carriage requirements.
- 201715 Nov
Near miss: Water bottles reused for fuel storage
A vessel inspection found diesel stored in unlabelled plastic water bottles aboard a fast rescue craft. The flash describes habitual container reuse, allegedly because suitable containers were unavailable, and unassessed fire and spill risks. Actions include disposal, a crew stand down and recommendations for suitable, ventilated chemical storage.
- 20171 Oct
Siemens - Maxum II Edition Gas Chromatograph - Safety Features
HSE alerts gas chromatograph users to an explosion that caused life-changing injuries during return to service of a Siemens Maxum II. Hydrogen had accumulated while the unit was on hold, and automatic purging was not re-engaged. Users should review purge controls and discuss operating arrangements with manufacturers.
- 201711 Aug
Oxygen and acetylene hose caught fire
An oxygen/acetylene hose fire was stopped by interrupting the gas supply, with no injuries and slight material damage. The flash identifies oil contamination, sharp edges and potentially inadequate ventilation as possible contributors. It explains oxygen-enrichment hazards and outlines isolation, ignition-source removal, ventilation and leak repair when enrichment is suspected.
- 201710 Aug
Carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Vasquez with loss of 1 life
Investigation into fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Vasquez while moored at Cardiff Yacht Club. Leaking wet-exhaust bellows allowed fumes into the cockpit and cabin; two rescuers also suffered poisoning. Reconstruction measured accumulating gas. The report discusses modified exhaust components, engine servicing, ventilation and carbon monoxide alarms.
- 201725 May
Dangerous modifications found within a gas valve unit room
A safety flash describes methane exposure in an LNG carrier’s gas valve unit room following damage to an expansion bellows O-ring. An unauthorised hose arrangement could likely have impaired methane detection. The account highlights ventilation and gas monitoring arrangements, and the US Coast Guard’s recommendation for engineering review and approval of modifications.
- 201711 May
Carbon monoxide poisoning on board the motor cruiser Love for Lydia with the loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Love for Lydia on Wroxham Broad. Uncatalysed petrol-engine exhaust spread beneath the canvas canopy into inadequately ventilated accommodation. Engine-running tests examined gas accumulation under different configurations, using gas monitors, domestic alarms and infrared imaging. Findings address ventilation, alarm reliability and recreational-craft regulatory gaps.
- 2017
Controlling airborne contaminants at work - A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
Guidance on specifying, designing, installing, commissioning and examining local exhaust ventilation to control workplace airborne contaminants. It explains hood selection, duct transport, fan matching, air cleaning and replacement air, alongside operator practices and documentation. Smoke tracing, dust lamps, airflow measurements and conditional exposure sampling support assessment of control effectiveness.
- 201622 Nov
SPHL battery charging – build-up of hydrogen
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.
- 20168 Aug
Safety warning after carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser results in loss of 2 lives
This bulletin presents initial findings following fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a motor cruiser on the Norfolk Broads. Exhaust from a running petrol engine entered through the aft canopy and spread into unventilated accommodation. It emphasises suitable carbon monoxide alarms, routine testing, ventilation and recognising poisoning symptoms.
- 201515 Dec
Confined space entry incidents – a reminder
This safety flash describes confined-space incidents during a vessel’s class renewal docking, involving subcontractors and a company-personnel near miss. Cases include obstructed access, absent attendants, untested gas detectors, missing harnesses and hot work without ventilation. Crew interventions prevented harm, with lessons stressing procedural compliance, contractor vigilance, training and safety leadership.
- 20154 Nov
Risks associated with electric storage batteries
Following a production-facility battery-room fire without injuries, this alert examines thermal runaway, hydrogen explosions, short-circuit energy release and electric shock. It outlines battery installation and maintenance measures, ventilation, fire protection, load testing and consideration of thermography, alongside replacement planning and emergency response arrangements.
- 2015Apr
Safe work in confined spaces
This Approved Code of Practice explains confined-space regulatory duties, identification of specified risks and avoidance of entry. It addresses competent risk assessment, written safe systems, atmospheric testing, ventilation and isolation, alongside respiratory equipment, access design, rescue arrangements, equipment maintenance and role-specific training.
- 2014Jul
Fire started by used vehicle's electrical defect on main deck of ro-ro cargo ferry Corona Seaways
Investigation of a main-deck fire aboard Corona Seaways in the Kattegat, traced to a used vehicle’s engine-starting electrical defect. It examines battery isolation, cargo acceptance checks, firefighting and ventilation closure. The report identifies an unexplained apparent shortfall in CO2 discharge and records revised vehicle checks and louvre maintenance arrangements.
- 2014Jun
Carbon monoxide poisoning on scallop dredger Eshcol, used as overnight accommodation, with loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal carbon monoxide poisonings aboard Eshcol at Whitby. A butane cooker grill used for overnight heating emitted high levels of gas, primarily through corrosion-related incomplete combustion. The report examines inadequate ventilation, absent carbon monoxide detection, defective heating, fatigue, appliance servicing and shortcomings in fishing-vessel guidance and training.
- 2014Feb
Safety warning after carbon monoxide poisoning on vessel used as overnight accommodation results in loss of 2 lives
This bulletin presents initial findings following two deaths aboard Eshcol during an overnight break from fishing. Carbon monoxide poisoning was indicated after a butane cooker grill was used for heating. It explains appliance maintenance, poor ventilation and poisoning symptoms, and recommends purpose-built heaters and marine-suitable carbon monoxide alarms.
- 2013Nov
Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
This Approved Code of Practice reproduces the Workplace Regulations and explains workplace health, safety and welfare requirements. It covers maintenance, ventilation, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, workstation suitability, floors, vehicle routes and welfare facilities. Guidance distinguishes legal duties from recommendations and addresses accessibility, fall prevention and safe window cleaning.
- 2013
Control of substances hazardous to health (Sixth edition)
This sixth-edition Approved Code of Practice explains COSHH duties for preventing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous substances, including biological agents. It addresses assessment of exposure routes, selection and maintenance of controls, respiratory protection, exposure monitoring, health surveillance, training and emergency arrangements, distinguishing statutory requirements from supporting guidance.
- 2013
Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres
This consolidated Approved Code of Practice explains DSEAR duties for work involving dangerous substances. It addresses risk assessment, storage and containment, ventilation, ignition prevention and hazardous-area classification. Detailed guidance covers equipment suitability, hot work, tank cleaning and disposal, explosion-safety verification, emergency arrangements and employee training.
- 20125 Nov
Risk of carbon monoxide release during the storage of wood pellets
This safety alert describes fatal carbon monoxide poisoning associated with wood pellet storage, including domestic cases. It explains factors affecting gas production and oxygen depletion in enclosed stores. Suggested precautions cover competent installation and servicing, restricted entry, atmospheric checks, ventilation, risk assessment and warning information.
- 2012Jun
Carbon monoxide poisoning from portable petrol pump on pair trawler/guard ship Starlight Rays with loss of 1 life
Investigates fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Starlight Rays during use of a portable petrol-driven salvage pump in an unventilated fish hold. Examines failure to prime, exhaust accumulation, further crew exposure during rescue, breathing-apparatus limitations, atmospheric testing and ventilation, alongside shortcomings in risk assessment and equipment assurance.
- 201229 Feb
Near-miss: Serious subsea burning incident
A saturation diver triggered an explosion while burning holes in a toppled submerged quarters building. Air flushing failed to remove trapped explosive gases from its complex interior. Lessons distinguish vent holes from drain holes, address communication and verification, and recommend alternative cutting methods where the absence of explosive gases cannot be assured throughout the job.
- 2011Aug
OCE6 - Hydrogen sulphide
This offshore COSHH information sheet addresses hydrogen sulphide exposure through area classification, gas detection, isolation, ventilation and respiratory protection. It specifies positive-pressure breathing apparatus, equipment checks and testing intervals, alongside emergency planning, rescue training and supervision. Detection arrangements differ according to area category and process-stream concentration.
- 20114 Jul
Confined space – multiple fatalities
A bosun fell into a vessel’s slop tank for unknown reasons. Two colleagues entered to help, and all three became unconscious. Subsequent rescue used ventilation, atmospheric testing and breathing apparatus. The bosun died; both colleagues recovered after hospitalisation. Investigation noted impulsive rescue entries and inadequate understanding of hydrogen sulphide accumulation.
- 2011Jul
OFE1 - Food safety and hygiene
Guidance for offshore installation catering managers on food hygiene and workers’ health. It addresses galley layout, segregated storage, refrigeration and blast chilling, temperature monitoring, site-specific HACCP arrangements, cleaning and personal hygiene. Protective equipment, maintenance checks, food-handler medical examinations, dermatitis surveillance and training requirements are also covered.
- 201113 Jun
Technical Report - Offshore petroleum facility accomodation
This informational technical report synthesises good practice for offshore petroleum living quarters. It addresses cabin layouts, privacy, communal spaces, acoustic insulation, vibration isolation, artificial lighting and indoor air quality. Recommendations cover design modelling, vendor specifications and commissioning checks, with application to new facilities and practicable improvements to existing accommodation.
- 2011Mar
OCE1 - Preparing surfaces for painting
Guidance for offshore surface preparation using wet and dry blasting and power tools. It addresses dust and hazardous coating constituents, specifies respiratory protection factors, and covers ventilation, equipment checks, exposure monitoring, cleaning and dermatitis surveillance. Ultra high-pressure jetting is excluded.
- 2011Mar
OCE11 - Breaking containment – non-hydrocarbon lines
This offshore guidance addresses chemical exposure when opening non-hydrocarbon lines. It describes isolation verification using pressure build-up checks, draining, purging, safe venting and conditional gas testing. It also covers ventilation, personal gas monitors, protective clothing and gloves, joint reinstatement checks, spill containment, decontamination, maintenance and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE12 - Breaking containment – hydrocarbon lines
This offshore COSHH information sheet describes exposure controls for opening hydrocarbon lines. It covers isolation verification, draining, purging, safe venting and gas testing, alongside benzene monitoring, respiratory protection and chemical-resistant clothing. Joint management, spill containment, personal decontamination, equipment maintenance and worker training are also addressed.
- 2011Mar
OCE13 - Breaking containment – process cleaning operations
Guidance for internal cleaning of offshore process plant addresses exposure to hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, mercury and naturally occurring radioactive material. It describes isolation verification, draining, purging, gas testing, respiratory protection and exposure monitoring, alongside decontamination, waste handling, health surveillance and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE14 - Breaking containment – mercury
Information sheet addressing mercury exposure when opening offshore production systems containing crude, condensate or gas. It describes isolation, draining, purging, flushing, ventilation and mercury testing, alongside respiratory protection and protective clothing. Additional guidance covers mercury collection, equipment checks, airborne and biological monitoring, waste handling, decontamination and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE17 - Laboratory practice
Guidance for offshore laboratory analysis of chemicals and process fluids sets out exposure controls using fume cupboards, ventilation and protective equipment. It covers sample degassing, segregated waste disposal, extraction checks and statutory testing, alongside housekeeping, skin care, training, supervision and laboratory record retention.
- 2011Mar
OCE2 - Painting by brush/roller
This offshore COSHH sheet addresses mixing and applying solvent-based paints by brush or roller, excluding water-based paints. It describes general and forced ventilation, conditional respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, spill handling and waste decontamination. It also covers asthma and dermatitis surveillance, skin care, training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE20 - Sewage system maintenance
Guidance for emergency maintenance and repair of offshore foul water systems addresses infection, skin disease and respiratory risks from sewage. It covers general ventilation, protective clothing, conditional respiratory protection, equipment and personal decontamination, health surveillance, training and supervision, with an employee checklist supporting safe working practices.
- 2011Mar
OCE21 - Laundry
Guidance for laundering contaminated work clothing on offshore installations addresses hazardous residues, cleaning chemicals and dermatitis from wet work. It covers segregated washing, detergent substitution and dispensing, general ventilation, protective gloves, machine maintenance, housekeeping and skin care, alongside dermatitis surveillance, worker training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE22 - Cleaning accommodation and facilities
Guidance for offshore accommodation and facilities cleaning addresses chemical exposure, dermatitis and breathing problems. It describes ventilated storage, safer product selection, automated dispensing, cleaning schedules and protective gloves. Low-level asthma and dermatitis surveillance, personal hygiene, training and supervision support the recommended control approach.
- 2011Mar
OCE23 - Cleaning up body fluids
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on clearing body fluids and reducing infection risks and exposure to cleaning chemicals. It addresses residue removal, detergent washing before disinfection, clinical-waste handling, protective clothing and buddy-assisted decontamination. Personal hygiene, wound protection, skin checks, training and supervision support the recommended working practices.
- 2011Mar
OCE26 - Drilling waste treatment
This offshore information sheet addresses skin and respiratory exposure during drilling waste handling and treatment. It describes enclosed cuttings transport and storage, ventilation, skip shipment and injection-system checks, alongside cleaning, skin care, dermatitis surveillance, training and supervision. Recommendations support COSHH assessment and exposure reduction.
- 2011Mar
OCE3 - Painting by spraying
Guidance for offshore solvent-based paint mixing and spraying, excluding water-based paints. It addresses extracted habitats, clearance times, enclosed gun cleaning and air-fed respiratory protection. Measures include protective clothing and gloves, equipment examination, personal and biological exposure monitoring, and asthma and dermatitis surveillance, supported by training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE4 - Soldering
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on controlling rosin-based solder fume during soldering and desoldering. It describes extracted enclosures and high-velocity low-volume tip extraction, alongside solder selection and iron temperature control. It also covers extraction maintenance and testing, protective gloves, hygiene, asthma surveillance, training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE8 - Mixing of drilling muds (sack room)
Guidance for controlling chemical exposure during offshore drilling-mud mixing in sack rooms. It addresses substitution, enclosed hoppers, extracted sack opening, bulk transfer and conditional respiratory protection. Further measures cover extraction testing, personal air monitoring, cleaning, skin care, dermatitis surveillance, training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE9 - Use of drilling muds (shale shaker and mud pit areas)
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on reducing exposure to drilling mud liquids, mists and vapours during handling, sampling and cleaning. It covers shaker enclosures, mud pit extraction, filtered protective cabins, respiratory and skin protection, ventilation testing, exposure monitoring and dermatitis surveillance. Mud making is excluded.
- 2011Mar
OCM1 - Confined spaces
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on preparing method statements for confined-space work. It addresses avoiding entry, competent workers, isolation, ventilation, atmospheric testing and breathing apparatus checks. Space-specific rescue planning includes communication, rescuer capability, resuscitation equipment and practice exercises, with clarification of the offshore status of confined-space regulations.
- 2011Mar
OCM2 - Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on maintaining local exhaust ventilation to control airborne contaminants. It covers routine checks, maintenance schedules, competent statutory testing and operator training, alongside supplier selection and commissioning documentation. User manuals, logbooks and performance reports support continued control, with recommissioning required when documentation is missing or systems change.
- 2011Mar
OCM8 - Storing chemicals
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on chemical storage under COSHH. It addresses ventilated stores, segregation and bunding, leak checks, spill clean-up, emergency arrangements and permits for tank and silo work. Protective clothing, conditional respiratory protection, housekeeping, waste separation, training and supervision are also covered.
- 2009Nov
Health risk management - A practical guide for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises
Practical guidance for managers of small and medium-sized enterprises on identifying occupational health hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls and checking results. Case studies illustrate chemical exposure, noise, vibration and musculoskeletal problems. It discusses workforce involvement, health surveillance, exposure measurement, engineering controls and continuing improvement.
- 2009Sep
ConAgra Natural Gas Explosion and Ammonia Release — Safety Bulletin - Dangers of Purging Gas Piping Into Buildings
This safety bulletin examines the ConAgra factory explosion and similar incidents involving indoor fuel-gas purging. It explains direct displacement of air, hazardous gas accumulation and unreliable odour detection. Recommendations favour outdoor venting wherever practicable, with gas monitoring, ignition control, ventilation, removal of nonessential personnel and training addressing odour fade.
- 20092 Apr
Burns suffered in confined space
An ROV technician sustained burns after a heat gun ignited contact-cleaner gases inside a winch drum hub. The flash identifies inadequate ventilation, absent entry authorisation and poor supervision. It records difficult rescue and suggests considering relocation of the rotary junction box to avoid confined-space maintenance.
- 2008Sep
Barton Solvents Flammable Liquid Explosion and Fire — Case Study
This case study examines a fire and explosions during ethyl acetate filling at Barton Solvents in Des Moines. Static discharge from unbonded metal components likely ignited vapour near a portable tank opening. It analyses nozzle and hose suitability, bonding and grounding, dip-pipe filling, and inadequate fire separation and suppression.
- 200823 Jul
Ballast tank hydrogen
A crew member lost consciousness after a tank was opened for planned maintenance on a semi-submersible accommodation unit. Later sampling identified unexpectedly high hydrogen levels, explained by an electrolytic reaction in the ballast tank below. The flash recommends regular venting, purging before opening, hydrogen testing before entry and reviewing sampling procedures.
- 2008May
CAI / Arnel Chemical Plant Explosion — Final Investigation Report
Investigation of the CAI/Arnel explosion in Danvers, Massachusetts, examines solvent boiling in an unsealed heated mix tank and vapour accumulation after ventilation shutdown. It analyses operating safeguards, procedures and regulatory oversight, using laboratory testing and blast reconstruction. The ignition source remained unidentified; recommendations address safer indoor heating and hazard review.
- 20082 Jan
Safety Alert 256 - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Offshore platform personnel suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after natural gas engine fumes entered temporary accommodation through ventilation openings, principally the air conditioning fresh air inlet. The alert recommends reviewing accommodation placement relative to engine exhausts, installing carbon monoxide detectors, inspecting potential exhaust entry points and checking exhaust vent wind flaps.
- 200720 Dec
Bell contamination
A subsea fitting failure exposed divers to a hazardous substance from a pressurised hose. Contamination entered the bell, where a diver felt faint and the analyser did not alarm. The flash examines infrared detection limitations and recommends enhanced diving procedures, decontamination, appropriate atmospheric testing and chemical safety assessments.
- 2007Apr
Universal Form Clamp Co. Explosion and Fire — Universal Form Clamp Case Study
This case study examines a fatal vapour-cloud ignition during flammable-liquid mixing and heating at Universal Form Clamp in Bellwood, Illinois. It analyses temperature-controller defects, inadequate ventilation, process design and code review, and absent emergency arrangements. Lessons and recommendations address engineering safeguards, mechanical integrity and evacuation planning and drills.