Welder strikes arc causing explosion in stern cabin

The dangers inherent in shipyard operations were tragically punctuated by the incident in which an arc caused by a welder led to a deadly explosion in a stern cabin. This catastrophic event unfolded shortly after two oil workers had finished spraying the last coat of paint within the enclosed stern cabin of a ship. Their painting work, concluded at noon, produced an environment ripe for disaster, unnoticed due to the half-open, half-closed manhole cover they left behind and the absence of any danger signs around the hatch cover. Tragically, the combustible fumes from the freshly applied paint, which contains benzene, mixed with the air to reach the explosion limit. By 3 pm, the situation worsened as an outfitting riveter boarded the vessel to install a small engine base near the stern cabin. Lacking an electronic fire gun, he solicited help from a welder to ignite his gas cutting equipment. The welder, unaware of the peril posed by the volatile environment, struck an arc on the stern cabin cover using his welding clamp. This seemingly minor action triggered a loud explosion that tore through the cabin, instantly killing eight individuals and injuring six more.

This horrific accident underscored multiple failures in safety protocol: the lack of adequate ventilation in the newly painted stern cabin, failure to post warning signs, and oversight in preventive measures such as setting up guardians to monitor potentially hazardous zones. The benzene gas, exacerbated by the hot weather, reached critical concentration levels, leading to an instantaneous explosion upon encountering the igniting arc. There were no measures taken to ventilate the cabin post-painting, a critical oversight given the known volatility of benzene. Preventing such accidents in the future mandates a firm adherence to rigorous safety standards. Firstly, stringent warning signs and posting of guardians around hazardous areas such as freshly painted cabins are crucial. Implementing comprehensive ventilation systems, including the use of compressed air, would significantly reduce the concentration of combustible gases, thereby mitigating explosion risks. Furthermore, welders and workers involved in hot work must be ever-vigilant about their surroundings, particularly regarding the presence of flammable substances. This tragic incident serves as a grave reminder of the lethal consequences of lax safety measures and underscores the vital importance of meticulous safety protocols in shipyard environments.