The silent and invisible onboard killers
Access to ventilation holes in cargo holds is often difficult – in this case, the ventilator opening is behind the pipes under the deck (Gard)
Two P&I clubs have recently emphasised to owners and managers the hazards of fumigated cargoes and entering enclosed spaces, responsible for fatalities among seafarers, writes Denzil Stuart.
Following the death of a seaman in his cabin on a vessel with a fumigated cargo on board, the Gard Club in Norway has published an analysis of similar cases in its external magazine, Gard News. Gard believes it is extremely important to raise awareness of the dangers of in-transit fumigation of cargo. Fumigation of cargo by hydrogen phosphine gas is excellent for killing insects, but it also endangers the lives of crew members and shore-based personnel if not handled correctly.
In the case of a seaman dying in his cabin, Gard says it was not the first time that phosphine gas had leaked from the cargo hold to the accommodation through corroded holes to cause the death of a seaman.
Gard has provided its members with practical advice on how to minimise these and other risks and otherwise protect their legal position.
Another P&I club, the American, has released the latest addition to its e-learning tools, dealing with entry into enclosed spaces on board. The Case of the Silent Assassin reveals the hazards of entering enclosed spaces; this module is a new case study developed and produced by IDESS IT, showing how two seafarers were killed by… almost nothing.
American Club members can track their seafarers’ knowledge and keep up-to-date records of familiarisation training in compliance with both the STCW Convention and the company’s Safety Management System requirements under the ISM Code.
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