Serious Hand Injury Whilst Donning Breathing Apparatus

During a vessels fire drill, the fire team were being assisted with donning their Breathing Apparatus (BA) sets. The assisting crewmember opened the BA set valve resulting in a release of high-pressure air, as a result of the high-pressure air release the assisting crew members finger was impregnated by the air.

The finger that was impregnated showed immediate signs of swelling and the medical support teams advised medevac by helicopter.

The injured crew member required surgical treatment to confirm the extent of the injury and ensure there were no debris injected and reduce the risk of infection and tissue damage.

To view this Marine Safety Forum safety alert in full, click the 'Download Alert' button above.