Accident to seafarer in forepeak tank
This report from the Danish Maritime Authority features an accident that occurred onboard a 30,024GT Chemical/Products Tanker, whereby a fitter, who was involved in the replacement of a defective transducer for the Doppler speed log in the forepeak tank, fell some 1.8 metres from the lowest platform in the tank, and suffered serious injury.
This is an example of an accident where the root causes were found to be in a number of design deficiencies in the handles and railings on the lower platform of the tank and in the size of the lightening holes in the tank platforms (described in the report as 'small circular openings to enable water to flow freely and to avoid sediment settling on the platforms').
The safety issues related to this work had been identified by way of a risk assessment made by the chief engineer, and discussed at a 'tool-box' talk with all involved parties, prior to the commencement of the work. The fitter had been briefed personally about the job and the risks related to it, by the chief engineer.
Ultimately, the fitter lost his balance and fell over a sloping bracket down to the bottom of the tank, a fall of approximately 1.8 metres. His head hit the floor, knocking his safety helmet off.
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The risk assessment for replacing the transducer had specifically been drafted for this task. Special attention had been given to the safe and secure movement in the tank with focus on the possibility of slippery surfaces and areas with poor illumination.
The report concludes that the lack of sufficient handles and railings on the 3rd platform brought along a potential danger of falling. Furthermore, on all the platforms in the fore peak tank there were small circular openings to enable water to flow freely and to avoid sediment settling on the platforms. The report concludes that the circular holes in the platform brought along a potential danger of stumbling.
The report concluded that, in general there was an efficient and well-run safety system and organisation on board. In relation to the repair in the forepeak tank a risk assessment had been drawn up highlighting a number of safety points - this was discussed at the 'tool box' meeting. However, the report suggests that there had not been sufficient focus on the risk of falling to a lower level in the tank thus recognising the danger of a fall.
It was concluded that the ship was well equipped with personal safety equipment, but that the fitter's safety helmet was knocked off during the fall even though the chin strap was fastened. The report concludes that the type of safety helmet that was used for guarding against falling objects did not offer sufficient protection against an impact to the head caused by a fall.
The purpose of this summary is purely to highlight certain human element issues arising from this incident.
Those who are involved in the management and operation of ships are strongly advised to read the whole report which can be downloaded
View>> - then click on: TORM CAMILLA - Accident to seafarer on 11 November 2009