- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Engine start air fitting incident
A member has reported the following serious near-miss which occurred in the engine room of one of its vessels. A high pressure air fitting (25 bar) failed and blew out, narrowly missing the face of an engineer.
The resulting investigation noted the following combination of factors which had contributed to the incident:
- A steel fitting had been sued to join the swivel hose end to the union fitted to the hard pipework. The constant engine vibration over time had caused the harder steel component to erode the threads on one side of the brass union, thus weakening the joint;
- It was thought likely that the ‘male’ fitting had not been properly aligned when initially tightened. This could have sealed adequately, as the steel fitting would have cut its own thread, but would also have resulted in an inadequate join;
- The pressure caused by the two previous situations, combined with the loading of the line with 25-30 bars of air pressure, was too much for the joint, which finally failed. This could have happened at any time that the engine was started.
The company also passed on another note regarding engine and fuel flexible lines – over time, hydraulic hoses can weaken and harden, resulting in cracking or disintegration when any attempt to bend or straighten them is made.
The vessel’s other engine air start line fittings were inspected and nothing detrimental was found. However, concerned that the above combination of events could occur on other ships or barges, resulting in damage or injury, the company involved has circulated details of the incident to engineers on all of its other vessels. Its chief engineers have been instructed to check all such fittings on their respective engines and to advise maintenance staff of the need to be vigilant when dealing with high pressure fittings.
Safety Event
Published: 1 January 2003
Download: IMCA SF 01/03
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.