Real Life Incident: Skin Burnt From Chemical On Tanker Ship
A chemical tanker with a cargo of phenol encountered cold weather a couple of days before arriving at the discharge port. The phenol, which has a melting point of approximately 400 C, was found to be solidified in the cargo lines.
The Chief Officer told the pumpman to steam the lines from outside and open the drain cocks, then flush the decks with hot water to clear the cargo. Unfortunately, the only crew members who were informed of this operation were the pumpman and an A.B. who was helping him, and, as the drain cocks were under the manifold, no one else could see what was happening.
As soon as the cargo reached the scuppers, it cooled down again and solidified, causing a slippery surface on the deck. One of the crew, who was not aware of what had happened, slipped on the surface and fell into the mixture of phenol and water.
As soon as the individual realised that his skin was burning, he desperately stripped off his clothes whilst running to the safety showers on deck. It was fortunate that the phenol had been somewhat diluted by the water and the crew member escaped with a nasty burn on his back and legs which subsequently healed.
Phenol is toxic if swallowed, absorbed through inhalation or skin contact. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin. It can cause chemical burns to the skin which are usually painless, therefore, the severity may not be readily appreciated. The Medical First Aid Guide recommends immediate removal of contaminated clothing and washing the skin with water for ten minutes.
This incident shows how important it is that everyone on board is made aware of actions which may cause a hazard. It is not always easy to let everyone know what is going on, but it is not difficult to rope off “no go” areas and display a warning sign.
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Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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