SAFE T Y
IMCA annual report highlights inadequate control on confined spaces Analysis of more than 1,600 vessel inspection
reports in year to 1 April this year reveals ongoing safety concerns over confined spaces.
A new report from IMCA has analysed 1,611 standard vessel inspection reports uploaded to IMCA’s eCMID (Common Marine Inspection Document) and eMISW (Common Marine Inspection Documents for Small Workboats) database in the previous year.
The eCMID system provides the marine and offshore industry with standardised formats for vessel inspection. Offering a safety management system ‘health check’, it improves the quality and consistency of inspections, while reducing their frequency through the adoption of commonly recognised processes.
eCMID’s analysis found that in the last year – 7% did not have a technical inspection by the vessel operator.
– 9% did not adequately control enclosed space entry.
– 12% did not inspect the pilot ladder before use.
– 10% did not have procedures on the handling of chemicals and flammable materials.
– 11% did not have cybersecurity measures in place.
– 5% did not carry sufficient medical supplies on board.
Commenting on the findings, Mark Ford, Marine & Quality Manager at IMCA, said: “In last year’s report, we highlighted controlled entry into confined spaces as one of the major safety concerns, and we’re disappointed to see a similar trend in this year’s analysis.”
The 53-page report (IMCA M267) is freely available to support the improvement of our sector. As well as detailed analysis of inspection finding by vessel type, it includes relevant IMCA safety flashes, as well as a review of the report quality assurance process.
To read the report go to
https://bit.ly/3y0vtfu.
Briefings
BIMCO informs of the dangers of transporting palm kernel shells
According to BIMCO, recent events at the port of Ishinomaki, Japan, involved two workers found unconscious during cargo operations aboard a bulker ship transporting palm kernel shells. While the incident is under investigation by the Japanese Coast Guard to determine any connection between the cargo and the workers’ condition, it underscores the importance of understanding the hazards associated with transporting palm kernel shells.
Palm kernel shells are fibrous fragments, typically brownish-yellow, with particle sizes ranging from 5 mm to 40 mm. These shells may be obtained either after the palm oil extraction process or before its commencement.
One significant risk is that palm kernel shells are not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, meaning there are no established carriage requirements for their safe transport in bulk. Previous incidents have revealed numerous dangers, including the potential for high methane emissions leading to explosion hazards, self-heating causing oxygen depletion, and the production of carbon monoxide in cargo spaces.
Both methane and carbon monoxide are colorless and odorless gases, posing serious risks of asphyxiation and unconsciousness if inhaled, thereby endangering the safety of crew and personnel entering or working near cargo spaces.
Furthermore, confusion between palm kernel shells and “palm kernel expellers”, another by-product of palm oil processing, is common, despite their classification differences under the IMSBC Code. Transporting palm kernel shells in solid bulk form requires a tripartite agreement in accordance with section 1.3 of the IMSBC Code, as they are not listed therein.
26 | ISSUE 109 | SEP 2024 | THE REPORT
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