Spilt acid during lifting operations

A member has reported an incident in which there was a spillage of acid during lifting operations. The incident occurred during delivery of deck cargo to a jack-up rig. While lifting deck cargo from the supply vessel, the load made contact with one of the plastic drums of acid stowed on the vessel’s deck. This resulted in the drum getting damaged and acid leaked from the drum, but the leak was contained on deck and the area was immediately cleaned. No-one was harmed.

Rolling and pitching of the supply vessel allowed the load being lifted to make contact with the cargo on deck.

Our member noted the following lessons learned and preventative actions:

• During loading and lifting operations, there should be effective communication and signalling maintained between the rig crane operator and the vessel deck and bridge;
• Risk assessment should have taken into account the weather and sea conditions, and any necessary additional controls if required should be put in place as necessary;
• In case the Master feels that the weather is not favourable for safe operations, then operations should be deferred until the weather improves;
• Consideration should be given to loading hazardous substances such as acid in appropriate drums protected with a cage.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents (search words, cargo, weather):

• Fatality during loading operations
• Near-miss: Cargo shifted in heavy seas whilst alongside platform
• Spillage of methanol during cargo operations

Members may also wish to consult:

• Guidelines for lifting operations.