Near miss: Water bottles reused for fuel storage
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 November 2017
- Generated on 6 May 2025
- IMCA SF 29/17
- 2 minute read
During a vessel inspection, plastic water bottles were discovered being reused to store diesel on board a fast rescue craft (FRC).
What happened?
There was no proper labelling or means of substance identification. The bottles were emptied subsequently and discarded accordingly. A safety stand down was held with the crew.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- Inappropriate management and handling of flammable liquid – water bottles used not for their intended purpose, but for storage of diesel fuel without any proper labelling.
- The storage of fuel oil or other chemical substances in drinking water containers was a ‘usual’ practice for the crew due to alleged unavailability of special containers on board.
- Lack of safety awareness: the potential risks of fire or spill, and the possible consequences to the crew members, environment and to the vessel, were not identified, nor properly assessed.
Lessons learnt / Actions taken
- All flammable and combustible liquids should be stored in a designated storage area in special containers with sufficient ventilation means in line with SDS indicated storage requirements.
- Water bottles should not be reused. There have been and are incidents in the industry of accidental consumption of fuel, thinners and other substances, due to water bottles being reused for other substances.
- Vessel management should identify requirements for appropriate and suitable containers for chemical storage, observing regulatory and operational requirements, and arrange delivery as necessary.
- Full crew discussion and review of risks associated with inadequate handling/storage of flammable and hazardous substances.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 13/17
2 June 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 04/16
5 February 2016
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.