Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Lost time injury (LTI): Stored pressure release - Crewman lost an eye - DEV imca
Skip to content

Lost time injury (LTI): Stored pressure release – Crewman lost an eye

A member has reported an incident in which a crewman lost an eye during a stored pressure release incident. The incident occurred during maintenance work on the UV disinfection unit for the freshwater system on an offshore vessel. The job was installation of the emitter protection tube. As the injured person started to tighten the tension screw, it appears that he inadvertently touched the inlet valve handle – opening it by a third. This led to water running into the UV disinfection unit, building up pressure below the emitter protection tube and forcing it out through the opening. The glass element hit the injured person on the forehead and smashed. He was hit in the face and eyes by pieces of glass, and was brought to hospital for surgery. The doctors were unable to save the left eye.

Emitter tube and UV-filter ready to be inserted
Emitter tube and UV-filter ready to be inserted
Investigations revealed the inlet valve was approximately â…“ open
Investigations revealed the inlet valve was approximately â…“ open
Actual system on-board
Actual system on-board
Emitter protection tube lowered into the filter (picture from another vessel)
Emitter protection tube lowered into the filter (picture from another vessel)

Our member’s investigation revealed the following:

  • The injured person (a 2nd Engineer) had dismantled the UV disinfection unit on other occasions and was therefore familiar with the equipment; . The UV sterilizer has a vendor user manual which indicates which valves to close and how to change out the filter; . The shut off valves before and after the UV disinfection unit were closed. The bypass valve was open. The valve upstream of the shut off valve ahead of the unit was open. The fresh water inlet supply was also not shut off; . The following direct causes were identified: . The hydrophore pump was running and building pressure into the system . The 2nd Engineer wanted to verify the correct position of the seal ring so he used a torch and bent over and placed his head directly over the tube
  • Type of valves – It was possible to open the water inlet valve by accident due to the type of valve handle, which led to water running into the UV disinfection unit and building up a pressure below the emitter protection tube. This resulted in the emitter protection tube being forced out through the opening in the tension screw with high speed, hitting the 2nd Engineer in the face;
  • The following indirect causes were identified:
    • Location/layout of pipes and valves: Tight space and difficult ergonomics
    • There was no system description in place for this maintenance task
    • There was poor risk awareness related to this specific job
    • There are gaps in compliance with vessel company requirements
    • A permit to work including a Lock out Tag out (LOTO) or isolation of the pump should have been issued for the job in accordance with company work permit system – this was not done
    • Failure to use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – The injured person was not wearing safety glasses, as required in company procedures when working on high pressure systems.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents (search words: eye, face):

Safety Event

Published: 27 January 2016
Download: IMCA SF 03/16

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.