Safety issue

Safety issue description

The oiler’s actions indicate that he was not aware of the dangers associated with the use of an angle grinder to remove the top of the drum.

Issue number MO-2010-005-SI-01
Issue owner NSC Schiffahrtsgesellschaft, Germany
Transport function Marine: Shipboard operations
Date issue released 17/02/2011
Issue status justification

The action taken by the management includes reviewing the use drums in engine room, prohibiting the use of angle grinder on drums which are not cleaned or ventilated.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2010-005-NSA-003
Organisation NSC Schiffahrtsgesellschaft, Germany
Action date 17/02/2011
Action description

The ATSB has been advised by NSC Schifffahrtsgesellschaft that instructions for hot work have been reviewed and precaution measures against possible fire and explosion of empty drums has been added. It is now strictly forbidden to use an angle grinder while working with empty and potentially dangerous used drums unless properly cleaned and well ventilated.

All crew members have been informed about the prohibition.

ATSB response

The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by NSC Schifffahrtsgesellschaft adequately addresses the safety issue.

Action status Closed