Cleaning procedures were in progress on a vessel’s empty holds. A solution of water and chemicals with a high alkaline value was being applied via a spray nozzle. Crew were protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical suits and rubber boots.
The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars (Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme) Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. This is one of these reports.
One crew member’s chemical suit was somewhat short and there was insufficient overlap with the boots. During the cleaning process, spray droplets on the chemical suit trickled down the length of the suit and entered the boots. The crew member continued to work unperturbed. Later, when he removed the boots, he saw his feet had been burned by the alkaline solution.
Also read: Crew member without PPE suffers hot sludge burns
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- It would appear the crew did not realise the extent of the risk of exposure to the washing solution. High alkaline or acidic levels always require maximum protection and awareness.
- The gap between the chemical suit and the boots was not noticed or was considered inconsequential. A STOP WORK action would have been appropriate if it had been noticed.
Also read: Nautical Institute: Always use PPE when working with grinding wheels and discs
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202437, that are part of Report Number 381. A selection of the Mars Reports are also published in the SWZ|Maritime magazine. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published (in full) on SWZ|Maritime’s website.
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.
