Do you know what a confined space actually is? Can you identify one by looking at it? When is a confined space hazardous? And when does a non-hazardous space become a dangerous one? This week MAC is looking at no-so-obvious confined spaces and hazards, threats that may go unrecognised.
We start with the Jo Eik incident.
A confined space in the open air almost doomed three
Even the most experienced officer might not have identified the area around the P10 cargo tank inboard Butterworth hatch of the 12,249 gt chemical tanker Jo Eik. This confined space in plain sight on an ‘open’ deck led to an AB being overcome by fumes from Crude Sulphate Turpentine then to a chief officer and second AB also being affected while attempting a rescue.
Says Britain’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch: “Some areas on the deck of Jo Eik fell into the category of enclosed spaces as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This was not recognised by the crew, so the appropriate safety precautions were not taken. There was also a complacent attitude regarding the need for respiratory protection during cargo operations. The requirement was not enforced and this put the crew at risk.”
We reproduce below the MAIB flyer regarding the Jo Eik incident:
FLYER TO THE SHIPPING, TANK STORAGE AND CARGO INSPECTION INDUSTRIES
Jo Eik
Release of cargo vapours resulting in two casualties
