Importance of Safety Protocols During Welding Operations to Prevent Flammable Gas Explosions

During welding operations on a vessel, it was found that there was a high concentration of flammable gas on board. This gas was formed from transferring 400 liters of fuel oil into the ship’s tanks for testing the lubrication pump. The investigation revealed that the lack of proper safety measures, such as ventilation and detection systems, contributed to the hazardous conditions on board.

The hot work was conducted without adequate precautions, which led to sparks from the welding igniting the accumulated gas. This initial explosion then triggered a second explosion when the flames spread to ignite the same gas. The sequence of events highlights the importance of following safety protocols during welding operations to prevent such incidents.

Officials emphasized the need for proper ventilation, detection systems, and other safety measures to minimize the risks of accidents during hot work activities. It is essential for all personnel involved in welding operations to be aware of safety procedures and to ensure that proper precautions are in place to prevent the ignition of flammable gases on board vessels.

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