Near miss/positive: Internal O-ring seal found damaged on fuel system
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 August 2020
- Generated on 26 July 2026
- IMCA SF 24/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
In a vessel alongside, a new fuel gas cylinder was connected to a gas-powered forklift truck.
When the delivery valve was opened gas leaked from the connection between the cylinder and the hose.
The cylinder was removed and the internal O-ring seal was found to be damaged.
A replacement cylinder was brought to the forklift but before fitting it the crew member checked the condition of the O-ring and found that it too was damaged. Fortunately, a number of full spares are carried on board and one was found that was in good condition.
The two cylinders with faulty O-rings were returned to the supplier for fitment of the correct O-rings. The branch manager of the gas supply company was alerted to the incident. He was most concerned that the cylinders were delivered to a customer without proper examination of the O-rings. They took this as a serious quality control issue and apologised for the occurrence, eventually tracing the batch of refills to a particular time, place and person.
What went right?
- Supplier was able to remedy a quality control issue.
- The two faulty cylinders were exchanged before the vessel sailed (after which time return and exchange would not be possible and cargo operations could have been jeopardised).
- Crew became aware that the fact that the gas cylinder was full did not guarantee it was in proper safe condition. They checked.
Recommendations
- Closely examine exchanged or pre-used equipment for proper condition, especially where potentially hazardous materials or stored energy is concerned. It always pays to check.
- O-ring seals are small but vitally important components which should be treated with the greatest of respect.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 12/17
25 May 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 09/17
3 May 2017
-
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.