Transport Malta reports of an incident involving fatal burn injuries to a crew member during maintenance work on deck.
What happened
In the morning of 05 June 2022, whilst the vessel was drifting outside Egyptian territorial waters, the crew members observed a fire rising from the port side of the main deck. Soon after, they saw the deck fitter, covered in flames, jumping overboard. The deck fitter was recovered and evacuated to a shore hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
The fatally injured deck fitter had commenced hot work on a leaking section of hydraulic oil pipes on the main deck. The safety investigation concluded that the fire started either from a flashback at the oxy-acetylene torch, or by the ignition of hydraulic oil.
Cause of death
In the absence of an autopsy report, the safety investigation was unable to confirm the cause of death. However, considering that he had suffered second and third degree burns over 90% of his body, the safety investigation considered it likely that his death may have been caused by the severity of the burn injuries and the consequential complications that probably arose.
Safety actions taken
During the safety investigation, the Company had carried out an internal investigation, in accordance with the requirements of the ISM Code. Following their investigation, the Company took the following actions across its fleet:
- completed an inspection of all welding equipment on board, rectified all deficiencies with the same;
- provided training to all relevant personnel to raise awareness on the importance of hot work precautions and PPE;
- issued instructions to avoid hot work unless necessary, and to use other mechanical tools, where possible; and
- the Company’s hot work permit was revised to include checks on several additional equipment.
Recommendations
The Company is recommended to:
09/2023_R1 include angle grinders as hot work equipment, due to the fire risks they pose.
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Source: Transport Malta
