(Mars 201911) Preparations for the gas freeing of a cargo tank were taking place on a tanker. The pumpman was opening the aft butterworth pocket of the tank, assisted by a deck cadet.
The pumpman initially used a manual spanner to open up the nuts, but these were very seized and the attempt was unsuccessful. It was decided that a pneumatic impact wrench would be used to un-torque the nuts, while the manual spanner was to be used to hold the nut at the bottom.
When the impact wrench was started, the locking spanner holding the nut at the bottom slipped from the pumpman’s grip and his finger was caught between the butterworth pocket body and the spanner’s closed head. The victim sustained an injury to his right-hand index finger
Lessons Learned
- There are no spare parts for the human body. Even seemingly routine tasks need to be evaluated beforehand and care taken in their execution.
- When using impact wrenches, and power tools in general, it should be understood that the amount of energy generated is high and the tool will not stop immediately when de-energised.
- The job should be thoroughly discussed and understood by all involved, including the limitations of the equipment and the space constraints.
MARS Reports
This is one of the February MARS Reports that are part of Report Number 316. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s March issue.
Acknowledgement
Through the kind intermediary of The Nautical Institute we gratefully acknowledge sponsorship provided by:
American Bureau of Shipping, AR Brink & Associates, Britannia P&I Club, Cargill, Class NK, DNV, Gard, IHS Fairplay Safety at Sea International, International Institute of Marine Surveying, Lairdside Maritime Centre, London Offshore Consultants, MOL Tankship Management (Europe) Ltd, Noble Denton, North of England P&I Club, Sail Training International, Shipowners Club, The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, The Swedish Club, UK Hydrographic Office, West of England P&I Club
Submit a Mars Report
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form and send it to mars@nautinst.org.
