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CASE 8
Serious Injury occurred during Loading of Gas Bottle

Narrative

The accident occurred while the deck crew of Aintree, a Panamanian registered liquid gas carrier, were loading the first of three 50 litre nitrogen cylinders at Fawley Oil Terminal. Although the cylinder was safely embarked, it toppled over once on deck. The valve hit the side railings and fractured. Gas at 3000 psi was suddenly released, hit one of the seamen in the chest and seriously injured him. He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and admitted into intensive care where, fortunately, he made a full recovery.

The cylinders belonged to the vessel’s fixed dry powder fire extinguishing system and had been sent ashore for refilling. Each was fitted with a valve safety cover. In addition, a valve cover fitted with a lifting eye was available on board to facilitate loading.

The loading method involved using a small swinging davit arm and a hand operated block and tackle. The crew had decided not to use the special lifting valve cover and, to make life easier for themselves, had removed the standard valve covers. They lifted each cylinder vertically with the valve uppermost and a rope secured to the base with a timber hitch and a half hitch around the body at about two thirds height. Another half hitch around the valve spindle was seen as an easy way to ensure the cylinder would not slip.

The system worked insofar as they managed to lift the cylinder up and over the side rail and onto the deck. But one cylinder did not land smoothly. It possibly landed on discarded rope from the block and tackle and, with nothing to keep it upright, it toppled over as it was untied.

The Lessons

1. Special lifting equipment to ensure cylinders can be loaded safely are there for a purpose. Use them. If for any reason they are found to be unsuitable, make sure the deficiency is drawn to someone’s attention so it can be attended to.

2. Never transport a gas cylinder without first ensuring its valve safety cover is screwed in position.

3. Before every operation consider the potential for an accident and take appropriate precautions.