Lost time injury (LTI): Crewman injured during opening of tanks

A member has reported an incident in which someone suffered a head injury, when water escaped from a tank when it was opened. The incident occurred during opening of vessel ballast water tanks for ventilation prior to cleaning and inspection. The wrong tank was opened; a tank containing ballast water (the majority of the volume of which was above the man-hole) was opened by mistake, and approximately 180 cubic metres of water flushed out of the tank. The person opening the tank was pushed aside by the flow of water and knocked against other structures, suffering head injuries as a result.

Following first aid, the crewman was taken to hospital for treatment, but later returned to the vessel. The incident was considered an LTI. Our member also considered the incident ‘high potential’ as it could have easily resulted in a fatality.

Our member’s investigation revealed the following:

• There had been no risk assessment before starting the task;
• No permit to work was obtained for the task;
• There was insufficient familiarisation of persons involved in the task;
• There was no proper communication with regard to which tanks were to be opened and when to open them;
• All nuts were removed from manhole cover prior to breaking the seal.

Our member drew the following lessons from the incident:

• Leave a minimum of bolts on the treads prior to breaking the seal of the manhole;
• Ensure personnel involved in a task have a full and common understanding of what is required before starting;
• Ensure personnel are aware that the job can be stopped if this is not the case;
• Identify requirements for permit to work, isolations and tool box talks before start of task.