Incident Date:

4/08/2006

Summary:

A gas bottle exploded in the lifeboat of a vessel during the process of charging it up from the Breathing Apparatus Air Compressor.

Incident consequences (potential or actual):

No details available.

Cause of accident or incident:

No details available.

Activity Location:

Support vessel eg Supply, Standby

Activity Type:

Maintenance

Description:

The master of an 8-year old vessel was very seriously injured as he was in proximity of the lifeboat when a gas bottle exploded whilst it was being charged up with an air compressor. The bottle was quite old with different numbers/dates on it.

Specific Equipment:

Compressed air storage bottles

Lessons Learnt:

The incident related to life saving equipment which, by lack of inspection records, indicated the lack of inspections and poor maintenance programmes. Ensure air cylinders or gas bottles are all in good condition. EU guidelines are: visual inspections every two years and passing hydro-test requirements every five years. Cylinder(s) in poor condition should not be moved or depressurized and should be roped off and warning sign(s) clearly displayed.

Task Description:

No details available.

Recommendations:

Ensure all necessary equipment is inspected as per statutory requirements and current records are kept available . Always check validity of certification / condition prior to re-charging and if unsure of condition or status. do not carry out the re-charging until clarification is obtained.

Contact Details:

None given

Figures:

Lifeboat Damage


Gas Cylinder Remains

Usage details:

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