For educational purpose only, image may not be relevant to the case.
The shipboard domestic refrigeration system – compressor was cutting in and off frequently. There was trouble to maintain the cold room temperatures. Obviously, the Chief Engineer ran around and suspected that the refrigerant return line accumulator filter getting clogged.
He instructed the 2/E and 3/E to isolate and clean the filter. The Chief Engineer did mention that he had closed all the valves and sucked the refrigerant from the system. Without cross checking valves or a check for pressure, the 2nd and 3rd engineers slackened the bolts of the accumulator filter.
To their surprise, there was a sudden explosion (minor explosion) and high-pressure refrigerant gushed out into the atmosphere where the place was restricted. The engineers received cold burns on their hands and shoulders, where the colour of their skin changed immediately. Fortunately, it was very minor and they had a protective eye goggles.
Thank you: We thank the Ship Management Company for sharing their safety news/incident cases with us for the benefit of safety at sea. We are thankful for their initiative to get enrolled in our confidential machinery & fuel problem reporting programme.
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