In its latest Safety Digest, UK MAIB describes how a crew member onboard a bulk carrier felt unwell and had to be evacuated after using chemicals inside an enclosed space that was not properly ventilated.
The incident
Having fully discharged its previous cargo, a small coastal bulk carrier vessel was transiting the English Channel to a port in northern Europe, where its next cargo was waiting to be loaded.
During the sea passage, AB and motorman were tasked by the master to clean out forward hold bilge wells to prepare them for painting. Two crew members spent the morning chipping, scraping and grinding in bilge wells. They cleaned up the area once finished, and then AB poured an oxalic acid solution into wells to prepare area for painting before they both went up for lunch.
Shortly after returning to accommodation, AB started to feel unwell; he was dizzy and was struggling to breathe. Cook and captain went to his aid. They gave him medical oxygen and then a “Pan Pan” urgency call was made by VHF radio.
A nearby naval vessel responded to urgency call and sent medical staff over to the bulk carrier by fast rescue boat. AB’s condition was assessed and captain was advised to request helicopter evacuation for injured crewman. Naval medical team helped to keep AB stable until helicopter arrived. Crewman was airlifted to a nearby hospital, and after receiving medical attention made a full recovery.
Lessons learned
- Use of chemicals had not been discussed at toolbox talk before work commenced. If you plan to use chemicals when carrying out a task, always assess hazards, refer to safety data sheets, and take appropriate precautions to minimize risks.
- Oxidizing chemicals should be used only in well-ventilated places. Because hatch covers to hold remained closed while maintenance was carried out, and no forced ventilation fans were used, space was not well ventilated. When intending to carry out maintenance in any space that is not regularly used or accessed, always follow enclosed space procedures, which would include ventilating area well before commencing work.
- It was fortunate that AB was out of hold before becoming unwell. Regular enclosed space rescue drills are a legal requirement under SOLAS regulations for protection of ship’s crew. Practicing procedures for extracting casualties from an enclosed space should be carried out onboard every vessel at a maximum of 2-monthly intervals.