Final report
Abstract
At about 1450 on 11 October 2011, the third mate on board the Panama registered woodchip carrier Universal Gloria suffered burns to his hands and face when the air compressor he was using to fill an oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA set) cylinder exploded.
The ATSB investigation found that the explosion occurred as a result of a fire that started within the compressor when oil ignited in the hot oxygen-rich environment.
The investigation identified three safety issues. The crew were not appropriately trained or drilled in the operation and maintenance of the ship's OBA sets; the ship's safety management system did not provide the crew with appropriate guidance in relation to the operation and maintenance of the OBA sets; and there were no engineering controls in place to prevent the inadvertent connection of an OBA cylinder to the air compressor.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 288-MO-2011-007 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/10/2011 |
| Location | at sea off Eden |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 05/04/2012 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Marine |
| Marine occurrence category | Injury |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Ship details
| Name | Universal Gloria |
|---|---|
| IMO number | 9286877 |
| Ship type | Bulk carrier |
| Flag | Panama |
| Departure point | Iwakuni, Japan |
| Destination | Eden, NSW |