Near miss: Hot work in no weld zone

Investigation noted a series of failures which brought about this event:

• Inadequate task plan;

• Inadequate communication of task plan;

• Lack of awareness/perception of risk;

• Inadequate attention to detail;

• Unclear/conflicting lines of responsibility;

• Insufficient warning signage;

• Following usual task;

• Poor housekeeping.

The following actions were taken:

• Reviewed this incident and communicated it to all appropriate personnel;

• Identified all no weld areas on vessels and ensured they were suitably marked/highlighted and No Welding signage was clear from all directions;

• Ensured that vessel GA (General Arrangement drawings) were used to show location of open permits and to assist in deconflicting permits and hot work, had all the no weld zones/areas clearly marked to assist in the approval of Hot Work permits and to prevent approval being given for hot work on no weld areas;

• Ensure that persons responsible for issuing Permits to Work were suitably trained and fully understand their roles and responsibilities;

• Ensure that those who were Area Authorities fully understand the hazards and restrictions associated with those areas.