kvartalsvis orientering 2 2009 - Søfartsstyrelsen

Kvartalsvis Orientering 2/2009
Quaterly Information 2/2009
The job of checking the breathing apparatus compressor involved connection of
equipment of very distinct pressure class.
The chief officer had not realized that the job was connected with a substantial risk, as
he did not know that the equipment to be connected was of distinct pressure class.
It is the opinion of the Division for Investigation of Maritime Accidents that the lacking
existence of a risk assessment for the job in connection with the yearly check of the
breathing apparatus compressor has been a contributing factor to the accident.
Initiatives
After the accident the ship owner issued a “Safety Flash” to vessels with similar equipment
where it is recommended:
• To avoid using the above mentioned test equipment unless a pressure reduction
valve is used.
• Alternatively to fill a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) bottle and test
the air quality directly from the bottle.
• To make out a risk assessment, if not already done.
Additionally the ship owner stressed that according to the company’s ”Personal Protection
Equipment Guidelines” safety goggles should be worn during work with high pressure
equipment.
The ship owner recommends the shore organisation:
• To update procedure GSMS ID 0459 with a description of how to use the air
test equipment.
• To update procedure GSMS ID 7610 to reflect the lessons learnt from this accident.
Recommendations
The Division for Investigation of Maritime Accidents believes that more substantial aspects
in the prevention of similar accident could be treated.
The Division for Investigation of Maritime Accidents recommends the ship owner:
• To reconsider the recommendation in the “Safety Flash” regarding connection
of air test equipment directly to the SCBA bottle.
• To evaluate relevant procedures and job descriptions, where the amount of external
references is considered with concern to possible simplification.
• To consider how it can be ensured that crew members will receive sufficient instructions,
when they are engaged with job tasks outside their normal educational
wise competences and qualifications.
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