Case Study 1: Oxygen Deficiency in Barge Tank

Summary

A tragic incident unfolded during a marine survey on a barge at a shipyard. Despite an initial inspection, safety measures were overlooked, such as inadequate ventilation and a lack of proper entry permits for confined space work. When the surveyor entered a tank without proper precautions, he became trapped, and emergency rescue operations were delayed due to insufficient planning. By the time rescuers reached the surveyor, he had already passed away. The incident highlights the importance of risk assessments, proper permits, ventilation, emergency procedures, and having a confined space attendant present to ensure safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always conduct a thorough risk assessment before entering a confined space to identify potential hazards.
• 😀 Proper communication between all personnel is crucial to ensure everyone is aware of safety requirements and tasks.
• 😀 Confined space entry requires proper planning, including opening manholes well before the inspection to allow ventilation.
• 😀 An entry permit is mandatory before entering a confined space to ensure all safety precautions are in place.
• 😀 Gas tests must be conducted before any worker enters a confined space to check for hazardous conditions, such as oxygen levels.
• 😀 A confined space attendant should always be present outside the confined space to monitor for emergencies and raise alarms if necessary.
• 😀 Breathing apparatuses must be available when working in confined spaces, particularly when hazardous air conditions are present.
• 😀 Any worker entering a confined space should never do so alone; they should be accompanied by qualified personnel.
• 😀 Emergency plans for confined space rescue must be in place, ensuring quick access to necessary rescue equipment and trained personnel.
• 😀 Delays in rescue efforts, as seen in this incident, can be fatal. Prompt action and the availability of proper equipment are critical.

Q & A

What was the initial cause of the surveyor's fatal accident?

The surveyor's fatal accident was primarily caused by insufficient planning, preparation, and communication, which led to the surveyor entering a confined space without proper safety measures, such as ventilation and a gas test.

Why were the manholes closed when the surveyor arrived at the barge?

The manholes to the barge tanks were closed because the tanks were not ventilated. The surveyor requested that the manholes be opened to conduct the inspection the following day.

What was the reason for the delay in the surveyor's inspection the next day?

The delay occurred because the surveyor had to wait for the manholes to be opened, and by the time he returned, the weather conditions started to change, causing the captain to be delayed in meeting him.

What happened after the surveyor went missing?

After the surveyor went missing, a search began at 11:00 a.m., and crew members suspected he might be inside one of the tanks. A gas test was conducted before a worker entered the tank and found a glimpse of the surveyor.

What gas level was recorded in the tank before a worker entered to search for the surveyor?

Before the worker entered the tank, a gas test revealed that the oxygen level in the tank was only 10%, which meant that a breathing apparatus was necessary to enter safely.

What equipment was used to enter the confined space in the absence of proper breathing apparatuses?

In the absence of proper breathing apparatuses, a helmet used for blasting operations was used as an alternative for entering the confined space.

What was the outcome of the rescue operation?

The surveyor was found but had already stopped breathing by the time rescue personnel, equipped with proper breathing apparatuses, arrived to retrieve him.

What safety procedures were violated by the surveyor?

The surveyor violated safety rules by entering the barge tank without an entry permit, not conducting a proper gas test, and proceeding with the inspection without being accompanied by the captain.

What lessons were learned from this incident?

The key lessons learned were the importance of conducting a risk assessment before entering a confined space, ensuring the validity of entry permits, using proper safety equipment, and having a designated confined space attendant during such operations.

What specific safety measures should be followed when working in confined spaces?

Specific safety measures include conducting a risk assessment, displaying warning signs, ensuring the validity of entry permits, stationing a confined space attendant, and having a well-established emergency plan with accessible rescue equipment and trained personnel.