Safety Incident in Confined Space

Confined Space Entry Incidents

• A worker entered a confined space without proper authorization and fell ill, requiring CPR.
• The crew failed to stop the job and allowed the worker to enter the confined space without proper supervision.
• The company's existing confined space entry policies were not complied with.
• Human factors, such as feeling rushed, led to hasty and ill-informed decisions.

###Actions and Recommendations

• Conduct additional refresher training for confined space rescue.
• Implement safety stand downs to stop and think before entering confined spaces.
• Install appropriate personnel barriers.
• Ensure management meets with supervisors to review policies and procedures before every job.

BSEE Safety Alert 477

• The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published a safety alert regarding confined space entry during tank cleaning operations.
• BSEE recommends that operators and contractors ensure personnel understand what constitutes a confined space and the hazards associated with it.
• A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) should be in place and discussed before starting work.
• A confined space entry Permit to Work should be completed, explaining the hazards and mitigations.
• Stopping the job and discussing potential safety and environmental hazards is crucial.
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn.
• Means of communication should be established between personnel inside and outside the confined space.
• Regular communication can detect if personnel inside the confined space have become impaired.

Crane Wire Rope Failure

• The US Coast Guard (USCG) investigation revealed that corrosion, wear, and monotonic ductile overload caused wire rope failure.
• The USCG recommends that vessel operators implement increased load testing frequency, utilize pressure lubricating devices, and ensure maintenance tracking systems align with manufacturer's recommended maintenance protocol.
• Vessel operators should also consider shortened periods of employment and early renewal of crane wire ropes to prevent corrosion and fatigue induced failures.
• Instruct and train all personnel to never position themselves under cargo suspended by any crane.

Vessel Damaged in Contact with Platform

• A crew transfer vessel (CTV) collided with a fixed platform when one of the engines failed.
• The vessel crew completed routine checks and tests prior to operations in the 500-meter zone.
• The Master made several immediate attempts to regain control, including an emergency stop of the port inner main engine.
• The vessel's port inner main engine got stuck in forward movement due to a failure of the pitch control propulsion actuator.
• The actuator froze because of worn-out carbon brushes in a motor.

A quiz about a safety incident that occurred in a confined space due to lack of physical barriers and inadequate personnel. Learn from what went wrong and what went right.