201857 Emergency hatch blocked
Emergency hatch blocked
As edited from Marine Safety Forum 18-05
During a general walk around on a vessel a heavy electrical transformer was discovered on top of an emergency escape hatch. After investigation it was found that the transformer had been left by an outside contractor who had placed it on top of an escape hatch because the cable was too short to reach a power socket – even though the top of the hatch was marked ‘Escape’.
The extra weight on top of the escape hatch would have made it extremely difficult if not impossible to open.
Lessons learned
When contractors work on board;
- Conduct a full and proper toolbox talk at the worksite; understand the scope of work and how the contractor intends to carry out the task, what tools they are going to use and any other requirements they may have.
- Conduct impromptu inspections of the worksite.
- Responsibility ultimately stops with you!
