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): Thumb laceration - DEV imca
Skip to content

Lost time injury (LTI): Thumb laceration

A member has reported an incident in which a crew member was injured when a can of enamel spray paint failed under pressure and parted along the seam. The crew member suffered a significant laceration to his right thumb. The incident occurred during a ‘routine’ maintenance when the crew member was about to start painting.

Upon inspection of the can, there were signs of corrosion along the seam of the can, which has caused the can to part unexpectedly under pressure.

Aerosol spray paint can from same batch as ruptured can
Aerosol spray paint can from same batch as ruptured can
Ruptured aerosol can showing evidence of corrosion along seam
Ruptured aerosol can showing evidence of corrosion along seam

Our member’s investigation revealed the following:

  • There was noticeable corrosion of the seam of the aerosol can;
  • The vessel had been operating in humid tropical climates over the past 12 months, which may have caused more rapid corrosion and deterioration of the aerosol can;
  • There was no system in place to monitor receipt of chemicals or the time the chemicals had been on board.

Our member took the following actions:

  • Thorough visual inspection of all aerosol cans on board and also fleet wide globally;
  • Amended procedures for dealing with chemicals and other substances hazardous to health, to record when chemicals are received on board and set a maximum usage period;
  • Reviewed company list of approved chemicals and see if it was practical to reduce number of aerosols used;

Members may wish to review the following similar incidents (key words: aerosol, corrosion, humid):

Safety Event

Published: 4 April 2014
Download: IMCA SF 04/14

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.