Topic
Respiratory Hazards
Harmful inhalation of dust, fumes, gases or biological agents.
Documents
- 202525 Sep
Cuisine Solutions Ammonia Release
CSB investigates an ammonia refrigeration release at Cuisine Solutions in Sterling, Virginia, which injured workers during evacuation. Relief-valve testing and dispersion modelling examine overpressure, liquid aerosol and unsafe discharge. The initiating upset remains undetermined. Recommendations address relief-system assessment, process-data retention, ammonia alarms and emergency preparedness.
- 20237 Dec
Accidental discharge of condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system on beam trawler Resurgam with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal accidental aerosol fire-extinguishing system discharge during installation aboard Resurgam in Newlyn harbour. It examines electrical commissioning, generator placement, toxic combustion products and impaired escape. Laboratory trials inform analysis of inhalation hazards, while findings address installer competence, regulatory approval, contractor coordination and rescue arrangements.
- 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.
- 202317 Aug
Engine room fire on LPG carrier Moritz Schulte with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal engine-room fire aboard Moritz Schulte in Antwerp. Pressurised marine gas oil escaped during inadequately isolated fuel-filter cleaning and ignited on an adjacent engine’s hot exhaust. The report examines maintenance arrangements, competence assurance, escape equipment and rescue coordination, including thermal imaging. No recommendations were made following actions already taken.
- 20231 Jul
Small boat crew exposed to FPSO process water discharge (fumes and aerosol)
Deck crews supporting diving at a live FPSO developed symptoms after exposure to process-water fumes and aerosols. Increased discharge and changing wind conditions were not adequately communicated or recognised. The flash describes stopping work, medical examination and follow-up, and calls for improved briefings, risk assessment and consideration of discharge diversion.
- 202312 May
Process Explosion Causes Medical Evacuation
Two offshore workers installing a skillet in pipework suffered smoke inhalation and burning sensations after opening a flange. The investigation identified absent purging or flushing and unrecognised potential pyrophoric materials. BSEE recommends considering fire and explosion management plans and procedures addressing ignition sources, oxygen ingress and fuel.
- 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
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.
- 202213 Dec
BSEE: Unsafe chemical use and disposal
This safety flash summarises three BSEE incidents involving mixed epoxy paint waste, a smouldering rag and incompatible drain-cleaning chemicals. It describes smoke, fire and gas inhalation, and presents recommendations on chemical handling procedures, safety data sheets, suitable protective gloves and the readiness and compatibility of firefighting equipment.
- 20227 Sep
Unsafe Chemical Use and Disposal
Three incidents illustrate hazards from mixing expired epoxy products, disposing of a rag likely containing flammable thinner, and combining drain cleaner with bleach. BSEE recommends operators consider chemical-specific procedures, suitable protective equipment, firefighting readiness, specialist disposal contracts and lifecycle inventory management to address unsafe chemical use and disposal.
- 202222 Jul
Mixing of cleaning chemicals
A worker mixing bleach and toilet cleaner in a tug’s toilet area experienced chemical vapour exposure and was diagnosed with chemical bronchitis. The flash describes onboard treatment and assessment ashore, identifies limited domestic chemical awareness, and records training materials, revised risk assessments and a review of chemical stocks.
- 2022Apr
Ear loop respirators/masks do not provide protection as tight fitting RPE
HSE warns against using ear-loop respirators as tight-fitting respiratory protection, including models with tightening accessories or CE and UKCA markings. Research found most failed face fit testing. The notice recommends competent fit testing during selection and asks dutyholders to review risk assessments and the suitability of their respiratory protection provision.
- 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.
- 202119 Apr
MAIB: Engine failure and subsequent fire
This flash summarises MAIB findings on Finlandia Seaways’ main engine failure and engine-room fire. A broken connecting rod preceded the fire, and an engineer suffered serious smoke-related injuries. It highlights maintenance management and manufacturer instructions, successful carbon dioxide suppression, absent escape breathing devices and difficulties confirming gas-bottle discharge.
- 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.
- 2021
Asbestos - The Analysts' Guide
Guidance for asbestos analysts covering representative bulk and airborne sampling, microscopy, analytical quality assurance and independent four-stage clearance certification. It distinguishes fibre counting from asbestos identification and personal exposure from clearance results. Additional procedures address contaminated soils and made ground, respiratory protection, protective clothing, decontamination and analyst competence.
- 202015 Oct
Safety warning about carbon monoxide poisoning after the loss of 2 lives on the motor cruiser Diversion
This bulletin presents initial findings following two carbon monoxide deaths aboard Diversion, moored on the River Ouse in York. A non-gas-tight heater exhaust silencer and loose connection allowed fumes into the cabin. Safety lessons address marine-approved heater components, professional inspection, servicing, carbon monoxide alarm selection and testing, and suspected poisoning.
- 20201 Jun
Inadvertent activation of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system leads to a fatality
An inadvertent partial discharge of a FirePro condensed aerosol extinguishing system during installation aboard Resurgam contributed to an apprentice’s death through inhalation of suppressant particles. The flash highlights underestimated exposure risks and MAIB recommendations for isolation during installation and maintenance, evacuation checks, warning alarms and enclosed-space rescue planning.
- 202020 Mar
COVID-19 update
This safety flash outlines COVID-19 transmission and shipboard prevention and mitigation measures, including hygiene, distancing, patient isolation, protective equipment and medical consultation. It presents an illustrative fleet access policy based on travel, symptoms and exposure criteria, alongside links to international and maritime guidance available in March 2020.
- 202010 Mar
Safety warning after inadvertent activation of condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system leads to a fatality
This bulletin addresses a fatal inadvertent discharge during installation of a FirePro condensed aerosol extinguishing system aboard Resurgam in Newlyn. Inhalation of concentrated suppressant particles significantly contributed to an apprentice’s death. Safety lessons cover isolation during installation and maintenance, discharge warnings, evacuation checks and enclosed-space rescue planning.
- 2020
Workplace exposure limits
EH40 sets out approved British workplace exposure limits and explains their application under COSHH. It covers time-weighted averages, short-term limits, personal and biological monitoring, dust and fibre measurement, and assessment of mixed exposures. Legally binding lists and calculation methods are distinguished from supporting guidance.
- 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.
- 201818 Dec
Suspected case of Legionella onboard vessel
Two severe pneumonia cases on a survey vessel prompted suspected Legionella investigations, medical evacuation and testing of all personnel. Cabin and ventilation cleaning, water-tank treatment and quarterly shower-head chlorination were arranged. Subsequent medical results identified acute respiratory infection rather than Legionella, with no confirmed Legionella disease onboard.
- 20183 Jan
MGPI Processing, Inc. Toxic Chemical Release
This case study investigates an incorrect sulfuric acid delivery connection to a sodium hypochlorite tank at MGPI in Atchison, Kansas, producing a chlorine-containing cloud. It examines unloading equipment design, pipe identification, procedure compliance, training, remote shutdown, control-room ventilation and escape respirator access, alongside community emergency planning and subsequent preventive changes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20173 Mar
Near-miss: Suspected high levels of CO₂ in diver breathing gas
Two saturation divers working at approximately 92 m experienced breathing difficulties associated with elevated carbon dioxide in reclaimed breathing gas. Saturated absorbent and apparently incorrect analyser calibration were identified. The dive was aborted without further ill effects. Learning focuses on alarm settings, operating manuals, safety-critical competence and contaminated-gas emergency arrangements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 201522 Oct
Cargo contamination causing LTIs during clean-up
Calcium chloride brine reacted with residual Sildrill in an offshore support vessel’s cargo pipework, forming blockages. Dismantling and cleaning took over a week, and four personnel required sick leave. The flash examines valve indication failure, inadequate washing procedures and missing work controls, alongside subsequent improvements to cargo awareness, washing facilities and communication.
- 2015May
Hospital Respiratory Protection Program Toolkit: Resources for Respirator Program Administrators
A practical toolkit for hospital respiratory protection programme administrators, combining selection guidance, evaluation checklists and an adaptable written programme template. It addresses infectious and chemical inhalation hazards, medical clearance, training and equipment care, with detailed saccharin, Bitrex and ambient aerosol quantitative fit-testing protocols and separate user seal checks.
- 2015
Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) Special Topic Report 2015
NIOSH summarises nine fatalities recorded during 2010–2014 involving crude oil tank gauging, sampling and fluid transfer at well sites. Case narratives examine possible petroleum vapour inhalation, oxygen displacement and reported medical findings. The report describes its surveillance sources and exclusions, while retaining uncertainty about contributing factors and unresolved causes of death.
- 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
Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems
This Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance address legionella risks in water systems. They explain dutyholder responsibilities, whole-system risk assessment, competence and written control schemes. Prevention addresses bacterial proliferation and aerosol exposure, supported by maintenance, water-quality testing, interpretation of results and retention of monitoring records.
- 2013May
Respiratory protective equipment at work
Workplace guidance explains how to select respiratory protection matched to airborne hazards, exposure levels, wearers and tasks. It distinguishes filtering respirators from breathing apparatus, addresses protection factors, qualitative and quantitative fit testing, training, maintenance and breathing-air quality, and illustrates selection through three practical case studies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2011Jul
OCE15 - Potable water and legionella control
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on preventing potable-water contamination and legionella exposure. It addresses system design, temperature control, bunkering-hose hygiene, automated biocide dosing and scheduled water testing. Tank cleaning precautions, respiratory protection, chemical handling, maintenance records, dermatitis surveillance and worker training are also covered.
- 201120 Jun
Welding Operation Results in a Fire in the Store Room
This alert describes welding to trim a guidepost on a rig storeroom roof. Insulation beneath the hot-work area ignited and smouldered, producing substantial toxic smoke. The storeroom suffered extensive smoke damage, with potential loss of equipment, materials and life reported.
- 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
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
OCE19 - Pressure cleaning – external structures
Guidance for pressure washing external areas on offshore installations addresses harmful mists and associated skin and respiratory effects. It covers particle RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20, protective clothing, equipment testing, decontamination, dermatitis surveillance and supervision. Ultra high-pressure water jetting is excluded.
- 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
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
OCE24 - Cementing
Guidance for offshore well cementing addresses exposure to cement dust, wet cement and additives. It covers chemical storage, job planning, equipment checks and pressure testing, alongside respiratory and skin protection. Cleaning, decontamination, personal air monitoring, dermatitis surveillance and worker training support the recommended exposure controls.
- 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
OCE5 - Insulation – installation
Guidance for removing mineral-fibre insulation on offshore installations addresses dust exposure and skin irritation. It describes restricted access, wet removal, Class H vacuum cleaning, particle respirators and disposable protective clothing, alongside equipment examinations, waste handling, decontamination, dermatitis surveillance and worker training. Asbestos and refractory ceramic fibre work are excluded.
- 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
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
OCM4 - Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Offshore COSHH guidance on selecting, using and maintaining respiratory protection. It covers assigned protection factors, face-fit testing, filter compatibility, breathing-air quality and wearer fitness. A supplier selection table captures task and wearer requirements, while instructions address training, pre-use checks, replacement parts and periodic examination.
- 2011Mar
OCM6 - Exposure monitoring
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on assessing hazardous-substance exposure through personal air sampling and biological monitoring. It distinguishes background sampling from personal exposure measurement, explains interpretation of twelve-hour shifts, and specifies consultant reporting expectations. It also addresses informed consent for biological samples and conditional testing frequencies for gas or vapour alarms.
- 201010 Nov
Precautions against jellyfish sting during diving operations
This safety flash addresses jellyfish stings and airborne irritants from contaminated diving suits. It describes tentacle particles remaining after inadequate cleaning and becoming airborne within diving systems. Precautions include task risk assessment, freshwater pressure washing, residue checks, umbilical cleaning, gloves, consideration of over-suits and medical personnel’s awareness of first aid procedures.
- 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.
- 2006
Asbestos - The licensed contractors' guide
Guidance for licensed asbestos contractors on licensing, exposure assessment, plans of work, training and protective equipment. It explains controlled wet stripping, negative-pressure enclosures, waste handling, four-stage clearance and worker decontamination. Respiratory protection supplements engineering controls. The guide was first published in 2006 and reprinted in 2012.
- 20041 Dec
Loss of position of DP DSV
A DP diving support vessel moved some 107 metres off its worksite, leaving a diver unable to return unaided to the bell. He suffered carbon dioxide toxicity from overbreathing. The investigation attributed the movement to a soliton; recommendations address seasonal scheduling, vessel heading, radar watch, quick-release arrangements and diver communication.
- 20043 Nov
Dangers of Foam Sealant
This alert describes an employee’s severe eye, nose and lung irritation during hot work. Investigation and medical information indicated likely exposure to hydrogen cyanide. The exposure was suspected to have occurred while working on metal previously coated with foam sealant.
- 20031 Aug
Respiratory equipment
This safety flash shares a member’s advice on disposable, half-mask, full-face and powered respirators. It explains filter selection for dust, vapours and gases, describes a breathing-based fit check, and advises leaving the work area and changing the mask or cartridge when breathing becomes difficult or taste or smell is detected.
- 20028 May
Chemical Exposure Results from Trapped Pressure in MWD Tool
An alert describes two crewmembers exposed to suspected acid from a lithium/thionyl chloride battery during an MWD tool download. Drilling fluid leaked from an opened port, and attempts to replace its plug failed. Mist or gas subsequently escaped; the employees suffered severe vomiting and shortness of breath.
- 2002
A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises
Guidance for premises dutyholders on identifying, assessing and managing asbestos-containing materials. It explains survey approaches, combined material and priority scoring, management plans and controls for maintenance and contractors. Organisational case studies and worked assessments illustrate prioritisation, while appendices discuss repair, enclosure, encapsulation, removal and checking completed work.
- 19986 Apr
Safety Alert 14 - Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide accumulated in a well bore and was released onto a Pacific OCS platform’s rig floor following extensive perforating, prompting personnel to use protective breathing equipment. The alert recommends operational CO monitors, large-capacity fans and supplied-air breathing units during extensive perforating, plus pre-operation safety discussion with contractors.
- 199727 Aug
Safety Alert 172 - Personnel Overexposed to Carbon Monoxide
Platform personnel suffered carbon monoxide overexposure while sleeping after changed wind conditions directed engine exhaust into accommodation ventilation; one employee required hospital treatment. The alert recommends testing high-risk areas and, where danger is identified, appropriate exhaust rerouting, intake relocation, monitoring alarms and improvements to building integrity.
- Undated
Carbon Monoxide Exposure During Production and Well Abandonment
An investigation describes carbon monoxide exposure affecting 14 personnel at an offshore production facility during concurrent production and well abandonment. Gas entered accommodation through a galley exhaust vent with its fan off and flapper missing. Personnel were evacuated and examined; generator exhaust was subsequently rerouted following air contamination studies.
- Undated
Worker Overcome by Fumes During Heater-Treater Cleaning
BSEE investigates a heater-treater cleaning incident on High Island A 379 B platform. A worker entered with an air-purifying respirator, was overcome by fumes and required rescue and resuscitation. Findings identify failures in confined-space permits, atmospheric monitoring, rescue readiness and personnel competence, alongside inaccurate reporting of the injury’s severity.
- Undated
Chemical Exposure During Well Treatment Flowback
An investigation of chemical exposure during Well A1 treatment flowback records illness among Halliburton personnel. Returns entered an open containment system and were subsequently routed to platform drainage. The report identifies failure to use closed containment and follow chemical guidance, job safety analyses and procedures, including respiratory protection and stop-work requirements.
- Undated
Carbon monoxide poisoning due to intake of exhaust gas fumes into cabin spaces of motor cruiser Chapter Two with 7 people affected
Investigation synopsis of carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Chapter Two during a River Medway passage on 31 December 1999. Main-engine exhaust entered the cabin heater intake and circulated through the accommodation. Passengers developed headaches and collapsed; the owner returned to the marina for emergency treatment. All recovered.
- Undated
Carbon monoxide poisoning on stern trawler Mariama K with loss of 1 life
Investigation of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning aboard Mariama K in Douarnenez, France. A petrol-engined portable pump discharged exhaust into an engine room without forced ventilation. The report examines bilge-pump deficiencies, exposure during rescue, atmospheric testing and ventilation, alongside compromised fire containment and shortcomings in vessel management.
- Undated
Collision between oil tanker British Trent and bulk carrier Western Winner resulting in fire on British Trent with loss of 9 lives
Investigation of British Trent’s collision with Western Winner near SW Akkaert Buoy in fog, followed by a cargo fire and nine deaths. The report examines collision-rule compliance, radar use, vessel traffic services and possible fatigue, alongside inaccessible fire-pump controls, lifeboat launching limitations and rescue by pilot launches.
- Undated
Environmental Responsibility and Lean Innovations
Presentation outlining RockPile’s environmental and operational innovations for hydraulic fracturing. It contrasts pneumatic sand handling with box-based proppant delivery and describes chemical management improvements. Reported benefits include reduced silica dust, noise, vehicle idling, chemical exposure and waste, alongside less manual handling, manual gauging and work at height.
- Undated
Equinor – Statfjord A – Investigation of incident involving fire and fumes in tank
Havtil investigates a fire during internal cleaning of Statfjord A’s inlet separator. Iron sulphide ignited on exposure to atmospheric oxygen. The report examines turnaround planning, work permits, undocumented job-analysis risks, firefighting preparedness and rescue arrangements, alongside failures to implement learning from earlier incidents. Two responders experienced smoke exposure.
- Undated
Fire in accommodation area on general cargo vessel Rosebank
This investigation synopsis describes a fire aboard Rosebank off Northumberland. Crew members attempted carbon dioxide extinguishing and boundary cooling, but the fire re-ignited and spread into accommodation. All five crew were evacuated by helicopter with smoke inhalation. It recommends reviewing permission to use smoke helmets or masks instead of SCBA sets.
- Undated
Health and Safety Regulatory Regime in the UK
HSE presentation explaining regulation of onshore oil and gas through well notification, independent examination, safety documentation, operational reporting and enforcement. It follows well integrity from design to abandonment, including cement barriers and verification methods, and outlines safeguards for hydraulic fracturing and protection against respirable crystalline silica exposure.
- Undated
Isocyanates: Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor
This fact sheet helps workers recognise possible work-related asthma and outlines clinical diagnosis, with particular attention to isocyanates. It discusses symptom timing, occupational exposure histories, safety data sheets, spirometry, peak expiratory flow measurements and specialist referral. It also explains that symptoms can persist after exposure stops.
- Undated
Nail Salon Workers: Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures - English
This guide explains chemical exposure, musculoskeletal strain and infection risks in nail salons. It covers safer product selection, ventilation, glove selection, filtering facepieces and cartridge respirators, workstation adjustments, stretching, and tool disinfection. It also explains employment status, workers’ rights and access to occupational health assistance.
- Undated
NIOSH Field Studies, Exposure Assessment, Silica Controls and Gauging and Thiefing
Presentation describing NIOSH field assessments of worker exposure in oil and gas extraction. It examines respirable silica during hydraulic fracturing, dust-source controls and mini-baghouse retrofits, alongside rapid hydrocarbon releases during tank gauging and sampling. Personal sampling, short-task exposure assessment, basin comparisons and closed or remote gauging controls are discussed.
- Undated
Occupational Allergies and Asthma in the Cannabis Cultivation and Production Industry: Fatal Facts
This alert describes a fatal asthma exacerbation in a cannabis flower technician making pre-rolls indoors. It examines worsening work-related symptoms, voluntary N95 use and allergies among colleagues. Prevention recommendations address medical surveillance, hazard assessment, exposure controls, worker education and prompt reporting and medical evaluation of symptoms.
- Undated
Silica Exposure during Hydraulic Fracturing
This information sheet explains respirable silica exposure during hydraulic fracturing, including dust released during sand handling and associated lung disease risks. It describes breathing-zone sampling, dust-reduction practices, equipment modifications, local exhaust ventilation and respiratory protection requirements, alongside hazard training and workers’ rights.
- Undated
Silica: OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert - Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation
Joint OSHA and NIOSH hazard alert examines respirable crystalline silica exposure during natural and engineered stone countertop manufacture, finishing and installation. It compares exposure findings by stone type and task, and explains wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, exposure assessment, respiratory protection and medical surveillance alongside applicable OSHA requirements.
- Undated
Toxic fumes from refrigerated sea water tank on pelagic freezer trawler Atlantic Princess affecting 9 people with loss of 3 lives
This inquiry examines three deaths and six injuries aboard Atlantic Princess off Mauritania when contaminated refrigerated seawater tank contents released toxic gas onto the ramp deck. It analyses fish spoilage, tank emptying, cleaning, ventilation and rescue attempts, supported by laboratory simulations, and recommends design improvements, operating procedures, monitoring and crew training.