The Hidden Dangers of Non-Approved Portable Electrical Equipment On Tankers
A recent serious incident on board a tanker serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with using non-approved portable electrical equipment. The incident resulted in a crew member sustaining severe burn injuries when portable electrical equipment, which had not been approved for shipboard use, was operated in a hazardous area.
While investigations into individual incidents may identify specific technical causes, the underlying lesson is clear: portable electrical and electronic devices can present significant ignition and safety hazards if they are not properly approved, maintained and controlled.
Electrical equipment is a recognised source of ignition and can generate sparks, arcs, flashes, hot surfaces and electrostatic discharges. In hazardous areas where flammable gases or vapours may be present, even seemingly harmless consumer-grade equipment can become a source of fire or explosion. The International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) states that portable electrical and electronic devices should not be brought into potentially flammable atmospheres unless they are certified as intrinsically safe or suitably approved for the area in which they are to be used.
Portable battery-powered devices, including torches, radios, mobile phones, smart watches, fitness bands and rings, e-cigarettes and other portable wearable technology or electronic equipment, should only be used if they have been approved for the intended environment. Equipment should be checked for the correct certification, gas group, temperature class and zone rating before use. Non-approved equipment, whether mains-powered or battery-powered, should not be switched on, charged or used in hazardous areas.
Ship operators should also ensure that all portable electrical equipment is subject to regular inspection and maintenance. Damaged casings, deteriorated cables, loose connections and other defects can significantly increase the risk of electrical failure and personal injury. Pre-use inspections and inclusion of portable electrical equipment within the vessel's planned maintenance system are essential safeguards.
Key Loss Prevention Measures
- Only permit the use of portable electrical and electronic equipment that has been formally approved for the intended operating environment or certified as intrinsically safe.
- Maintain an inventory of approved portable electrical equipment carried on board.
- Ensure crew are trained to recognise hazardous area requirements and certification markings.
- Conduct routine inspections of portable equipment, cables and connections.
- Remove damaged, defective or uncertified equipment from service immediately.
- Include portable electrical equipment within the vessel's Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
- Reinforce permit-to-work requirements where portable electrical equipment is used in hazardous areas.
Conclusion
The recent burn injury highlights how quickly routine tasks can escalate into life-changing accidents when non-approved electrical equipment is used on board. Compliance with approved equipment requirements is not simply a procedural exercise; it is a critical defence against fire, explosion and serious personal injury. Vessel operators should take this opportunity to review onboard controls, equipment inventories and crew awareness to ensure that only suitable and properly certified equipment is used in potentially hazardous environments.