There’s something in my eye!
What happened?
After shift, a member of the crew took a shower and felt that there was something in his eye. The next day he asked for help to remove it, but without success. He had to leave the vessel at the next port to have the debris removed.
What went wrong?
During the early part of the previous shift, this person had worked on deck wearing proper PPE and later in the shift, was working on the bridge. During the day, the debris had settled in his hair and washed into his eyes during the shower.
What lessons were learned?
There was a lack of awareness of this mechanism of transmission of debris into the eyes.
Be aware that debris can be still present after removal of all PPE, and of the risk of debris being transferred into the eyes from PPE or from the hair at a later time or when showering.
Members may wish to refer to the following incidents:
Safety Event
Published: 27 July 2018
Download: 
IMCA SF 16/18
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.