Need for supplied air in the vicinity of man way during nitrogen purge
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 November 2001
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 13/01
- 1 minute read
We have been notified of the following incident, which occurred while a catalyst change-out was being undertaken.
What happened?
The job was shut down for lunch, a nitrogen purge was on, the man way of the vessel was covered and there was no vacuum.
The supervising engineer of the project and a junior engineer (who had not previously been involved with the project) entered the area, proceeded up the vessel to the man way and removed the board covering the man way. The junior engineer peered in and subsequently passed out due to a lack of oxygen. He was taken to the hospital for examination and was subsequently released.
The company concerned has implemented the following actions:
- Until further investigations are complete, anyone going up to a man way must be wearing supplied air when the nitrogen purge is in process.
- A chain around the man way ladder must be posted, to prevent anyone from going up to the man way when project staff are on lunch or break.
Additional actions are under consideration.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.