Incident alert
LOCATION:
AGGREGATE DREDGER
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
DATE ISSUED:
19/02/2019 10:32:13
TITLE
Confined Space - Serious Near Hit
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
United Kingdom
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT DETAILS
While a UK marine aggregate dredger was undergoing maintenance in a UK ship repair yard, contractors were tasked with chipping the decks in the port upper void; this space is classed as a confined space.
The task involved using a power scarifier to clear paint and rust from steel surfaces. The tank was gas free and certificated before work commenced with a yard entry certificate running for 24 hours. Initially the contractors used an electric 110v scarifier unit, but as they moved along the voids they encountered power drop issues on the electric unit with the length of power leads used. The contractors changed from the electric motor unit to a petrol engine unit and continued working throughout the day.
On leaving site they reported feeling dizzy and unwell and visited the local hospital, where they were found to have high carbon monoxide blood readings and were placed on oxygen for 2 hours before being discharged. The carbon monoxide was created from the exhaust of using a petrol machine in an enclosed space.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
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LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Initial Findings:
- No company personnel were informed of the near hit until the following day;
- Risk assessment did not include the use of power tools or the petrol scarifier;
- The permit issued from the yard did not include petrol equipment.
A full investigation is currently underway.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
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