Real Life Incident: Ballast Tank Explosion Fatality
While at anchor, the crew was engaged in cleaning and painting the topside ballast tank as part of an ongoing maintenance programme. The tank had been opened some days before; the mate tested the tank for oxygen level a few times and found it to be 21 per cent. After approximately two hours of painting, using a spray gun to apply epoxy paint with thinners, there was an explosion which blew the tank apart. Five crew members died and three were missing.
Root cause/contributory factors
- The epoxy paint contained more than 30 per cent thinners. Spray painting using such a mixture can create vapour concentrations within the explosive range of the mixtureÅfs compounds;
- The tank was ventilated using a fan blowing air through a manhole and a compressed air line situated in the tank, which was inadequate;
- A cargo light was used to illuminate the work area, which was not intrinsically safe/explosion proof.
Lessons learnt
- The crew needs to appreciate the potential possibility of an explosion when spray painting.
- The safety management system should set out procedures for painting in enclosed spaces.
- Material safety data sheets which provide flash points, explosive limits and ignition points for the paint base, hardener and thinner should be understood by crew on board.
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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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