SHIP TYPE: Any SIZE (grt): Any YEAR OF BUILD: Any
During handling of four apparently empty Halon gas cylinders on deck, one was damaged and gas escaped with considerable pressure. Due to this the cylinder started rotating on deck, hitting and injuring three crew members in the vicinity.
The casualty took place while the vessel was at anchor.
Extent of damage
All three persons were brought to hospital. One died on the way and the two others were hospitalised under serious conditions.
No material damage was recorded.
Probable cause
The probable cause was that the valve head of the one bottle was damaged during landing on deck thus allowing gas under pressure to escape.
The gas cylinder is normally filled with Halon of pressure of approximately 25 Bar. The cylinder is topped up with Nitrogen, resulting in a final pressure of approximately 42 Bar, see Fig. 1.
The four apparently empty Halon gas cylinders had been picked out based on the low gauge level on the cylinders.
Lessons to be learned
" A cap is to be put on the head assembly, which is normal practice while transporting any cylinder.
" Gas cylinders should always be handled as being full of gas under full pressure.
" The gauge should be subject to regular calibration. This is normally undertaken by approved service suppliers ashore.
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(Classification DNV Exchange General Information Service Experience)