Rust Particle Enters Eye During Spool Removal

Description of Incident

A Mechanical Tech was tasked with the removal of a spool. Due to the location of the spool, the technician had to work in a restricted space, lying on their back to access the flange bolts. During removal, the IP felt what they believed to be rust, hit their face. Following this, the IP re-positioned themselves, at which point they felt the foreign object in their left eye. The IP was able to finish the task but, when walking back to the accommodation, experienced further eye irritation and identified that the foreign body remained in their eye.

Following irrigation of their left eye, the IP noted that he could still see the foreign body on the surface of the eye. The IP then reported to the installation medic, who was unable to remove the object, and the Injured party were subsequently medevac’d for removal / treatment onshore.

Findings / Contributing Factors

• Risk Assessment highlighted the potential danger of the worksite by recognising that “use of goggles should be considered”.

• Work Party assessed the space and manner of working and decided that goggles would restrict vision and be likely to steam up.

• The IP was wearing safety glasses which were not suitable for the task or a close fit to the face.

• The job was not stopped despite indications that there was a problem.

• Insufficient Dynamic Risk Assessment and selection of PPE.

Good Practice Guidance

• Where a hazard has been identified, controls should be clearly identified and instructed.

• Personnel to be aware of the range of eye protection (Glasses, Spoggles, Goggles and face shields) and use the most appropriate protection for the task.

• Where there is a Dynamic Risk Assessment section in the TBT, this should be completed to detail work party discussions.