Inadequate handling and storage of potentially hazardous substances
What happened?
Two drums with unknown chemicals were observed, floating in the sea. The crew retrieved these drums onto the vessel, but they were not stored safely.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
The vessel crew retrieved the drums on board without considering the risks, i.e. they were not aware of the type of product, or the condition of the plastic drums. The drums were placed without drip trays in close vicinity to a deck area commonly accessed by the crew, potentially exposing personnel to unknown risks;
Shore side management were not informed about the collected chemicals.
Lessons learnt
- A risk assessment should be carried out before handling chemicals or unknown substances potentially hazardous to health;
- Vessels should report immediately if unidentified floating objects are observed and retrieved onboard, so that adequate collection and destination can be arranged.
Members may wish to refer to the following incidents:
Safety Event
Published: 31 January 2018
Download: 
IMCA SF 03/18
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.