Worker injured in boat explosion (18 December 2024)

An 18-year-old worker was undertaking engine repair and maintenance work while onboard an anchored boat when there was an explosion within the vessel. The worker sustained serious burns.

A white vessel docked with it's sails down, viewed from an angle showing the back of the vessel, A raft is pulled up and hanging from the stern. In the background, other vessels are docked, The sky is overcast, and the water is calm.
Photo of the vessel involved in the incident
                                                             

Safety information

Many workplaces have confined spaces such as pits, drains, structural voids and vessels. They often have poor ventilation that can allow a hazardous atmosphere to quickly develop. The hazards are not always obvious, may change from one entry into the confined space to the next and depend on the workplace or environmental circumstances.

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working in confined spaces, working with chemicals and working in isolation.

Ensure:

  • you eliminate or minimise the risks associated with entering confined spaces by identifying and controlling those risks
  • prior to entering a confined space or hazardous atmosphere which may release, produce, store or contain hazardous gases, a risk assessment must be conducted, an entry permit issued, and appropriate controls implemented Controls may include (but are not limited to):
    • Procedures and processes are developed and implemented for the entry of confined spaces
    • safe means of communication is used with workers entering a confined space
    • isolation procedures and processes are used for equipment in the confined space that may introduce a risk
    • removal of hazardous chemicals, or isolation of hazardous chemical systems, that may cause a hazardous atmosphere
    • ensure that an ignition source is not introduced into a confined space (from outside or within the space) if there is a possibility of the ignition source causing a fire or explosion in the space
    • ventilation systems are in place and used
    • a monitor is used to measure atmospheric conditions and identify a hazardous atmosphere
    • emergency procedures are in place
  • training is provided to workers on the hazards of confined spaces within the workplace, control measures, personal protective equipment, entry permits, and emergency procedures
  • adequate supervision is provided to young and/or apprentice workers
  • appropriate information and training are provided to workers in the safe use of hazardous chemicals at the workplace, including access to appropriate Safety data sheets
  • workers working in remote or isolated areas are provided a system of work that ensures effective communication
  • first aid equipment is always available and operational for emergencies.

Related guidance material

Further information

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