INSIDE THIS ISSUE - NOVEMBER 2013
PARTICIPATION STATISTICS - END OCTOBER 2013 ...........02
MONTHLY SAFETY BULLETIN NOV 2013...................04 to 11
LIST OR PARTICIPANTS..................................................12 to 15
BEHAVIOUR BASED SAFETY / STOP CARD SURVEY.....16-17
GLOBAL SHARING MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – NOV . 2013 – DARE TO DARE
SHIPSTAFF PRIORITISE SAFE PROCEDURES DESPITE CARGO SURVEYORS PROTESTS
THE INCIDENT – Recently , one of our Suez-max tanker , loaded a cargo of Arab Heavy at a Gulf Sea Port . The MSDS sheet handed over by the terminal indicated H2S content as traces . View previous experience of similar cargoes , vessel was aware that cargo was potentially high in H2S content . An LOP was issued to the terminal , as the MSDS sheet was not in accordance with the guidelines given by GHS . Vessel implemented Company procedures for loading cargoes containing High H2S cargoes . Eventually H2S content in excess of 2000 ppm was detected in the vapor space . Further , on completion , manual gauging / sampling was insisted upon by terminal / surveyor . Ship staff donned SCBA sets and took appropriate safety precautions . This somewhat irritated the attending surveyors , as the process was slowed down , but ship staff firmly implemented the safety procedures .
LESSON LEARNT – Despite various safety barriers , a few terminals continue to provide MSDS sheets which are not in compliance with GHS guidelines , and insist on manual gauging and / extensive sampling for cargoes with high toxic contents . The occurrence was shared with our fleet vessels , and vessels were further alerted to firmly implement high toxic gas precautions diligently , and be vigilant against information / MSDS sheets not complying with GHS guidelines .
MESSAGE TO INDUSTRY - With respect to the cargo being handled , charterer ’ s should be requested to : a ) Instruct terminal to provide vessels with MSDS sheets complying with GHS guidelines b ) Instruct supplier / terminal to provide accurate information on toxic gasses and their expected concentration . c ) Instruct terminal / surveyor to agree to ullage by remote gauging system and minimal sampling . ( wrt cargoes containing high H2S / benzene content ). If we reflect inwardly , we will notice that similar occurrences are taking place quite frequently in different parts of the world . These can only be reduced / controlled with commitment and compliance from the major oil suppliers / terminals .
GLOBAL SHARING – WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
Dear Sachdeva ,
We believe that the monthly safety newsletter is a very strong tool for promotion of a stronger safety culture among our crews . All the published newsletters are forwarded to the fleet vessels with the instruction to be presented and thoroughly discussed during the next Safety Committee Meeting for information and actions to be taken in order to avoid same issues on board the vessels . Also we have already made our first submission yesterday and we will keep sharing our near misses , incidents etc . I am at your disposal for any additional information / clarification .
Best regards Capt . Stylianos V . Dafermos DPA / HSQE & Vetting Manager / Training Officer AVIN INTERNATIONAL S . A . Tel . direct : + 30 210 8093017 / Fax : + 30 2108093292 Mobile : + 30 6937015109 / E-mail : sdafermos @ avin . gr
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