Media Release
Lack of safety measures led to chief engineer’s severe burns
14 June 2006
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation has
found that a lack of hazard awareness and safety control measures
led to the chief engineer on board the Australian bulk carrier
River Embley sustaining burns to 45 percent of his body when he was
scalded by hot water that unexpectedly sprayed from a steam valve
he and a junior engineer were working on.
On the morning of 14 October 2005 the engineers were working in
the engine room while the ship was at anchor off Gladstone. While
they were dismantling the turbo alternator exhaust steam valve a
thousand litres of pressurised hot water unexpectedly started to
spray from the valve and onto the chief engineer standing on
staging below.
In an effort to escape the hot water spray the chief engineer
tried to jump clear of the staging but became entangled in the
securing rope which had formed a barrier.
The ship's crew mounted an immediate first aid response and the
master organised a helicopter evacuation. The chief engineer was
transported to Gladstone Hospital and later transferred to the
Royal Brisbane Hospital intensive care unit.
The report concludes that the engineers did not fully assess the
exhaust steam piping system and its drainage arrangements, or allow
sufficient time for the exhaust steam system to completely drain
before starting to work on the valve.
The ship's work permit system and job safety analysis procedures
were not utilised by the engineering crew and deficiencies in
safety management were not identified in two audits prior to the
accident.
It is also considered that a sizable experience gradient between
the chief engineer and the other engineers along with a lack of
training allowed a series of 'single person' errors to go unchecked
and unquestioned.
The ATSB has made several safety recommendations aimed at
preventing further accidents.
Media Contact: George Nadal: 1800 020 616
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