ERRV Viking Islay - Marine Accident Investigation Branch

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Figure 10Close fitting hoodBreathing air hoseContents gaugeand control valveSabre ELSA type EEBDCompressed air cylinderinside stowage bagFigure 11Sabre ELSA type EEBD20
The 10 minute duration of the ELSA is achieved by means of a reducer/cylinder valvewhich restricts the flow of air from the cylinder to the mask, so that once activated asteady flow of air is provided to the wearer 13 . It is not a demand valve system.The ELSA user instructions state:In general, constant flow escape breathing apparatus is NOT suitable for usewhere:• There are unknown hazards,• There are no planned escape routes,• Escape routes that require physical exertion, e.g. ladders, tunnelsand hatches.No evidence was found that there was any technical fault with the ELSA used in thefatal rescue attempt.1.12.3 Limitations of constant flow EEBDsOne significant disadvantage of the constant air flow arrangement is that it is possiblefor a wearer undertaking particularly strenuous activity to require a greater flow of airthan the EEBD can supply. This might result in the hood collapsing in on the wearer’sface, producing an unpleasant suffocating sensation.It is not widely known that the limitations of the air supply provided by the ELSA (orother similar constant flow type EEBDs) could be exacerbated by a wearer with a highair demand; for example a person with a particularly large tidal volume 14 , or one whoseventilation was increased due to exertion and/or stress.It is also possible that an inadequate air supply could be due to hood volume ratherthan gas flow rate. If the wearer’s tidal volume exceeds that which is available withinthe EEBD hood (due to the difference between the volume of the hood and that of thewearer’s head), the hood could tend to collapse in upon the wearer’s face.1.12.4 Requirement to provide training for EEBDsThe requirement to provide training for EEBDs carried on board ships is given in bothSOLAS and UK legislation 15 . However the content of the training and its degree ofrealism is not prescribed.1.12.5 EEBD training on board Viking IslayEEBDs were provided for all vessels in the Vroon fleet about 5 years ago, and atraining regime was instigated. Vroon records confirm that the majority of the crewon board Viking Islay at the time of the accident (including the victim who entered thechain locker wearing EEBD), had received training in June 2006. The training focused13 Manufacturers quote 38 litres per minute.14 The tidal volume of the lungs is the quantity (volume) of air inhaled and exhaled with each normal breath.15 SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 15, paragraph 2.2.2: Training in the use of the EEBDs shall be consideredas part of onboard training. Also in UK legislation: SI 2003 No.2951. The Merchant Shipping (FireProtection) Regulations (Amendment) 2003. Training in the use of EEBDs shall be included in the onboardtraining of each crew member as soon as possible…after he first joins the ship.21
Page 2 and 3: Extract fromThe United Kingdom Merc
Page 4 and 5: 1.13 The Vroon Offshore Safety Mana
Page 6 and 7: GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRON
Page 8 and 9: Viking Islay
Page 10 and 11: Section 1- FACTUAL INFORMATION1.1 P
Page 12 and 13: Figure 2Chain locker - showing rope
Page 14 and 15: Figure 4StoreCabin & mess roomVikin
Page 16 and 17: Figure 5Foc’sle store - showing a
Page 18 and 19: At 1140, the master manoeuvred Viki
Page 20 and 21: 1.4.3 Medium term O2 depletionIn or
Page 22 and 23: Figure 7Position ofsign (Figure 6)H
Page 24 and 25: 1.6Actions by the Maritime and Coas
Page 26 and 27: 1.101.10.1PersonnelThe masterThe ma
Page 30 and 31: on the EEBD as a means of supportin
Page 32 and 33: 1.141.14.1Entry into Dangerous Spac
Page 34 and 35: 1.16.2 Further guidance on dangerou
Page 36 and 37: y a crew member entering the space
Page 38 and 39: The EEBD training provided by Vroon
Page 40 and 41: would have continued to do so had i
Page 42 and 43: 3. Other spaces are not necessarily
Page 44 and 45: Section 44.1- action takenVroon Off
Page 46: Section 5- recommendationsVroon Off

ERRV Viking Islay - Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?