Gas hazards at sea: what you need to know

Life at sea involves daily maneuvering between different hazards. Gases is one of them, and it is crucial to understand and recognise dangerous scenarios.

Life at sea is rewarding in many ways, but it also means navigating high-risk environments on a daily basis. Gases are among the most common life-threatening hazards aboard ships, but with the right training and equipment – most accidents can be avoided. 

The three different types of gas hazards

In the context of maritime operations, we consider three types of gas hazards: 

• Toxic gases
• Flammable gases
• Asphyxiant gases 

1. Toxic gases

What

The most common toxic gases at sea are Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and gases from the cargo carried.

Where

Toxic gases are primarily a threat in enclosed spaces, but open spaces can also be hazardous. Ship crew work in a myriad of environments, many of which are prone to contamination.  

How

Gas poisoning occurs through inhalation, ingestion or absorption through the skin. Time is a key factor: Toxicity is a function of concentration and exposure period. The specific thresholds are unique to each gas. 

Counter measures 

• Occupational Exposure Limit values (OELs)
• Gas detection equipment, personal and fixed
• Measurement procedures
• Training
• Ventilation
• Personal protective equipment

2. Flammable gases

What

All hydrocarbon gases are flammable, including Methane (CH4), Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10)  These, together with gases from cargos like oil or chemicals, represent both a fire and an explosion hazard. 

Where 

Flammable gases are considered hazardous in all scenarios, but particularly during cargo operation. This is where atmosphere and process control is extremely important.

If we consider the fire triangle (fire requires a source of ignition or heat, oxygen and combustible material), it follows that a ship often has multiple areas where fires and/or explosions can occur. 

How 

Flammable gases react with oxygen when they are heated to given temperatures/exposed to a source of ignition, producing flames. Hot or burning gases expand rapidly, so a if a contained or flow-restricted gas catches fire, pressure will increase instantaneously and likely result in an explosion. This will often result in personnel injuries and/or material damage. 

Gases that are lit at atmospheric pressure, with unrestricted space to expand, will not explode, but burn rapidly – which of course can be more than hazardous enough. The fire will continue until supply of oxygen or fuel seizes, or if the immediate environment is sufficiently cooled. 

Counter measures

• Gas detection equipment
• Atmosphere control (inerting)
• Fire suppression equipment
• Measurement procedures
• Training-Drills

3. Asphyxiant gases

What

The human organism depends on oxygen (O2). Certain gases – like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) –  are non-toxic, but heavier than air. Just like water displaces air when poured in a cup, asphyxiant gases can displace or reduce ambient air (oxygen) in a tank. These gases are  often non-visible and/or odourless, which means that oxygen deficiency can sneak up on a worker. 

It is worth noting that certain gases, like Butane, are both toxic, flammable and asphyxiant. 

Where

Asphyxiant gas accidents typically occur in enclosed spaces, or in semi-enclosed spaces.

How

Typically when asphyxiant gases can leak into enclosed spaces or when processes requiring oxygen (micro organisms, formation of rust) takes place in enclosed spaces.

Counter measures

• Gas detection equipment
• Gas detection procedures
• Ventilation routines
• Personal Protective equipment

Summary

Gas hazards are part of life at sea, both to personnel, equipment or cargo. There are three types of gases you should be aware of: 

• toxic gases
• flammable gases, and 
• asphyxiant gases

They can represent threats wherever they are present, but it is crucial to take extra precautions during: 

• activities in enclosed areas, and
• cargo operations

You can mitigate the threat through a combination of:

• Awareness
• Training
• Equipment

As a specialist on the field, we would like to help build awareness. This article is part of a series on the topic of gas detection and protection. Please share it with anyone you think might benefit from it, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us.