Tampering with approved safety devices 

What happened?

During a client inspection, the sight glass on a vessel main engine lubricating oil storage tank was found to have been fitted with an unauthorised and homemade ‘clamp’. An unauthorised ‘clamp’ was installed on the storage tank without any consideration for the potential consequences. This clamp kept the self-closing valve open at all times, contravening mandatory regulations, company standards and exposing the crew, the vessel and the environment to a significant fire, safety and environmental risk.

Why did it happen?

• The modification was made to save time during a routine task, without due consideration to the potential consequences and hazards;
• No onboard routine inspections, safety walk-rounds, observations or interventions had raised a concern regarding the modification.

Actions taken

• Thorough search to ensure no such other or similar devices are installed;
• Reminded people of their responsibility to maintain a safe workplace and to raise concerns where any safety devices may have been modified;
• Ensured all personnel are aware that tampering with any valves, alarms, safety devices or other approved measures intended to maintain the safety of the crew, vessel or the environment are unacceptable and will lead to disciplinary measures;
• Daily routines and planned maintenance tasks ought be carried out as per instructions or procedures – there ought be no deviations from the instructions or modifications are made to equipment without the proper approvals or a Management of Change process;
• Ensure that all onboard routines, inspections and walk-rounds consider the integrity of safety devices and highlight any concerns.

Members may wish to refer to:

• Oil tank sight glass push buttons wired open
• Unsafe actions and conditions – inhibited alarm buttons
• Deliberate failure to follow instructions: unsafe/quarantined tools brought back into use
• Plastic cover on smoke detector