The Bahamas Maritime Authority issued this Security Alert to share classes realized from a deadly incident involving the improper storage of dry ice aboard a vessel throughout a upkeep interval. The data is predicated on findings from a preliminary investigation.
What Occurred
A drill ship present process prolonged upkeep required dry ice to finish disassembly work on drilling tools. A subcontractor provided roughly 300 kg of dry ice in 20 unmarked insulated containers. The containers had been delivered onboard three days earlier than use and saved in a chilly room. On the night earlier than the scheduled work, a service technician was found seated and unresponsive contained in the chilly room, exhibiting no indicators of harm or wrestle. The emergency door launch and entrapment alarm had been purposeful however had not been activated, and lighting within the chilly room was operational. Different crew members had entered the room about an hour earlier and didn’t expertise any ailing results. The vessel’s medical officer initially suspected pure causes, with autopsy outcomes pending.
Why It Occurred
The incident occurred as a result of accumulation of carbon dioxide fuel launched from sublimating dry ice that had been saved in an enclosed, poorly ventilated chilly room. Dry ice, which is strong carbon dioxide, sublimates straight into fuel at temperatures above -78°C. This fuel is heavier than air and may shortly displace oxygen in confined areas, creating an oxygen-deficient and life-threatening environment. On this case, roughly 300 kg of dry ice was saved in 20 insulated, unmarked containers with out correct air flow or hazard identification. No threat evaluation was performed earlier than bringing the dry ice onboard, and the crew was not conscious of the potential asphyxiation hazard. The dearth of warning labels or security knowledge info additional contributed to the unrecognized threat. Because the dry ice step by step sublimated, the carbon dioxide focus within the chilly room possible elevated to harmful ranges, leading to a deadly surroundings for anybody coming into the house.
Actions Taken
The alert emphasizes the necessity for clear labeling of dry ice packaging and the inclusion of Materials Security Information Sheets (MSDS) when provided. It additionally underscores the requirement to conduct threat assessments and guarantee satisfactory air flow for all dry ice storage areas.
Classes Realized
At all times retailer dry ice in well-ventilated areas to forestall CO₂ accumulation.
Label and talk hazards clearly on packaging and thru MSDS.
Assess dangers earlier than dealing with or storing dry ice onboard any vessel.
Acknowledge that usually secure areas can develop into hazardous if full of sublimated CO₂.
Preserve crew consciousness and coaching relating to asphyxiation dangers in enclosed or refrigerated areas.
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Supply: Bahamas Maritime Authority
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