Topic
Electrical Safety
Hazards from electricity and safe electrical systems.
Newest 100 Documents
All 268 in search- 202612 Aug
Control Portable Electronic Device Use to Prevent Ignition Hazards Offshore
This alert describes inspection findings involving unauthorised cellphone use during offshore wireline operations and unrated electronic devices in a hazardous area without a hot work permit. It recommends that operators and contractors consider intrinsic-safety certification, conditional permit requirements, policy reviews and reinforcement of device restrictions during orientations.
- 2026May
GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D)
HSE safety notice addresses partial discharge and vacuum interrupter integrity in legacy GEC VMX high-voltage switchgear. Following a disruptive circuit-breaker failure involving arcing and fire, it recommends checking applicable design modifications, maintenance records and substation environmental conditions, alongside discharge surveys, integrity testing and revised access risk assessments.
- 202627 Apr
Prevent Fires by Inspecting Cords, Plugs and Welding Leads Before Use
This alert reviews three incidents involving melting welding leads, flames at a cord connection and a tubing bender plug with a loose prong. It warns against applying water to potentially energised conductors and recommends that operators and contractors consider pre-use inspections, suitable electrical protection, hazard assessment and safety briefings.
- 202615 Apr
UK HSE: electrician seriously injured on onshore wind farm
An electrician sustained life-changing injuries during substation maintenance at an onshore wind farm. The investigation identified departure from a prepared switching programme and inadequate checking and change approval processes. The flash highlights safe work systems, management of change, coordination of parallel tasks, electrical-work review and supervision.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 202617 Mar
Battery power bank explodes in cabin
A power bank exploded during overnight charging in a vessel cabin. Its owner extinguished the fire with a wet towel, with minor damage to cabin fittings and furniture reported. The flash highlights restrictions on unattended charging and recommends certified charging equipment from reputable suppliers.
- 2026Mar
Shared G-PINCs (Mar 2026) — General
General regulatory inspection questions address facility identification, operational safety, approvals, incident reporting, engine safeguards and equipment marking. Welding and burning checks cover equipment condition, authorisation outside approved areas, fire-watch arrangements, gas surveillance and precautions around wells. Entries identify regulatory authorities and enforcement actions.
- 20266 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 514 - Verify Megger Testing and Termination Prep to Prevent Seawater Pump Motor Fires
A seawater pump motor fire followed termination repairs. Findings identified insulation testing at a lower voltage than required, resistance below the work-pack threshold and inadequate semiconductor-layer preparation. BSEE recommends considering adherence to repair instructions, verification of test arrangements and results, correctly rated testers and worker understanding of resistance units.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 202517 Nov
Condensation Hazard on Electrical Panel (440V)
An inspection found condensation dripping onto a 440V electrical panel in a vessel’s engine room. The flash explains how chilled surfaces above the panel and absent protective measures allowed water contact. It highlights potential electrical consequences, preventive design measures and regular checks beyond scheduled inspections.
- 20257 Nov
Smoke in the battery room
A vessel alongside experienced smoke from overheated nickel-cadmium batteries supplying a DP-system UPS. Crews isolated circuits and removed batteries for cooling, without injury or escalation. The flash examines uncertain causes, restricted cabinet access and incomplete records, highlighting battery inventories, detection, emergency training and installation improvements.
- 20252 Oct
USCG: Lithium-Ion battery system installations
Summarises USCG advice following a lithium-ion battery bank fire on a passenger vessel caused by overheated, loosely crimped lugs. Discusses thermal runaway, toxic off-gases and suppression difficulties, alongside engineering review, battery management, condition inspections, maintenance, crew competence and fire drills. No injuries and minimal vessel damage were reported.
- 20252 Oct
Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
A vessel electro-technical officer suffered light eye burns from an electrical arc while disconnecting a shore power cable that appeared still energised. Initial findings identified inadequate vessel–quayside communication and documentation. The flash emphasises voltage testing, isolation, improved communication, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202511 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 202531 Jul
Near miss: High voltage arc inside tether termination manifold
A dislodged HPU conductor caused arcing inside an ROV tether termination manifold. Subsequent checks identified reduced insulation resistance and gas, whose origin was unconfirmed without testing. The flash examines unapproved termination lugs and records re-termination, system testing and recommendations to assess crimping tools and review procedures and gas-venting precautions.
- 20253 Jul
Near miss: worker suffers electric shock
A vessel crew member received an electric shock during oil clean-up on a crane pedestal after brushing an exposed, energised cable. The worker was unharmed. Failed assurance following yard work left disconnected cables live. Actions address electrical commissioning oversight, preferably assigning work to company electricians rather than third-party contractors.
- 20253 Jul
Unsafe use of electrical equipment in cabins
Crew aboard a vessel used two-pin chargers directly in three-pin accommodation sockets without suitable adaptors. This flash explains potential socket damage, loose connections, arcing, overheating and fire. It recommends compatible adaptors, crew guidance on plug compatibility, regular socket checks, appliance testing and tagging, and easier reporting of concerns.
- 202518 Jun
Lock out/Tag out and unauthorised electrical connections/disconnections
This flash describes missing electrical and mechanical lockouts identified during a vessel engine-room audit, alongside unauthorised electrical disconnections and bypasses. It emphasises suitable lockout devices, documented approval of temporary modifications, restoration checks and clear handovers. Possible links to dynamic positioning trials are presented as assumptions rather than established causes.
- 202518 Jun
MAIB: Is your Lead-Acid battery safe?
A barge crew member escaped injury when four lead-acid batteries exploded during generator starting. The steel locker contained the explosion. Investigation identified batteries unsuitable for continuous float charging. The flash highlights documented maintenance and replacement records, ventilated battery stowage and corrosion-resistant, flame/explosion-proof compartment lighting.
- 202516 May
Electrical isolation: Failing to “prove dead” at the point of work
This safety flash examines failures to verify that electrical equipment is dead at the actual work location rather than only at a remote isolation point. Two examples describe personnel accessing live terminals after selecting the wrong thruster or ROV. It emphasises following proving-dead protocols at the point of work.
- 202519 Mar
Crane cab fire caused by fridge
A fire destroyed a crane cab aboard a vessel alongside while no crane work was underway. An electrical fault in a small refrigerator was suspected. The flash highlights difficult firefighting access and suggests members may wish to check unattended powered appliances and identify restricted emergency-equipment access.
- 202414 Oct
Inappropriate automatic activation of fixed fire-fighting system
A harbour tug’s fixed engine-room firefighting system discharged all its gas after two blackouts within 24 hours. Activation was linked to a battery-voltage rise following a pilot-cylinder solenoid valve malfunction. Nobody was harmed. Lessons address electrical supply adequacy, emergency-system functionality and blackout drill protocols.
- 20243 Sep
NTSB: Fire on vessel – stray electrical current during welding
This safety flash summarises a fire aboard Qualifier 105 during aluminium welding in winter yard storage. The probable ignition source was electrical but undetermined; stray welding current remained unconfirmed. Combustible accommodation materials increased damage. The lesson recommends placing the welding return clamp as close as possible to the weld.
- 202422 Jan
UK MAIB: Deep fat fryer fire
A shipboard galley fire followed restoration of power to two deep fat fryers drained for cleaning. Overheated elements ignited fat-saturated food residues before thermal protection disconnected power. Crew extinguished the fire without damage or injury. Lessons address lockout/tagout, equipment readiness, electrical supply checks and practised emergency response.
- 202314 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 478 - Inadequately Maintained Electrical Connections and Compromised Wiring Integrity (6)
This alert examines three electrical incidents involving a loose generator cable connection, damaged heat-trace insulation with improper grounding, and rainwater ingress into generator wiring. It recommends that operators consider routine maintenance, training, emergency-response rehearsals, improved cable procedures, lockout/tagout reinforcement and periodic infrared inspections.
- 20237 Dec
Accidental discharge of condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing system on beam trawler Resurgam with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal accidental aerosol fire-extinguishing system discharge during installation aboard Resurgam in Newlyn harbour. It examines electrical commissioning, generator placement, toxic combustion products and impaired escape. Laboratory trials inform analysis of inhalation hazards, while findings address installer competence, regulatory approval, contractor coordination and rescue arrangements.
- 20236 Dec
NTSB: Lithium-ion battery fire destroys vessel bridge
This safety flash summarises an NTSB investigation into a tanker bridge fire while alongside. Probable cause was thermal runaway in a handheld radio’s lithium-ion battery. It describes prompt crew firefighting, absent bridge fire detection, extensive equipment damage and precautions concerning battery care, charging, sourcing and fire containment.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 202330 Oct
Fire in ROV workshop
A rechargeable flashlight headset left charging unattended on a UPS supply was involved in a fire in an ROV workshop. The flash describes effective crew communications and fire response, alongside recommendations on electrical equipment condition, supplier selection, charging surfaces, disconnection after charging and communicating portable-device charging hazards.
- 20233 Aug
Electrocution incident – make sure electrical equipment is safe!
A vessel cook suffered a mains electric shock while touching a bain-marie and messroom service window simultaneously. A detached earthing wire caused an earth fault in the heater element. The flash describes gaps in galley testing and maintenance, followed by fleetwide electrical testing, planned maintenance additions and revised risk assessment.
- 20235 Jul
Lack of Uninterruptible Power Supply
Three offshore production incidents illustrate uninterruptible power supply failures affecting emergency power, communications and process controls. The alert examines capacitor damage, battery overcharging, inadequate maintenance instructions and outdated drawings. It recommends operators consider maintenance and testing programmes, thermal scanning, redundancy and emergency response arrangements for power loss.
- 20233 May
Equipment starts unexpectedly
Three mechanics were maintaining a high-voltage AC unit under lockout/tagout when it restarted unexpectedly. A broken circuit-breaker handle linkage had prevented shutdown. Nobody was injured. The flash highlights verification of de-energisation and correct energy-source isolation, including when equipment is upgraded or modified.
- 202327 Feb
Battery explosion during routine maintenance
A harbour tug’s Chief Engineer sustained minor injuries when a spanner inadvertently short-circuited a battery during preparations to replace a failed disconnect switch. The flash discusses electrical isolation, terminal protection, suitable tools and protective equipment, alongside increased maintenance inspection and consideration of chargers with temperature sensors.
- 202327 Feb
Compressor fire
A rented diesel-driven screw compressor caught fire aboard a diving support vessel. An electrical short circuit damaged cable insulation; radiant heat compromised an oil scavenger line, releasing oil that ignited. No injuries occurred. The flash discusses maintenance testing gaps, pre-mobilisation checks, equipment assessments, fire suppression and deck positioning.
- 20221 Nov
Failure to plan properly: electrician sustains serious burns (UK HSE)
An electrician suffered serious burns at a supermarket warehouse when his metal spanner contacted a live busbar, causing an electrical explosion. Generator connection work alongside high-voltage maintenance lacked adequate planning and contractor coordination. The flash highlights failures to stop the circuit supply and appoint a competent person to organise the work.
- 20221 Nov
Live sub-surface power cable inadvertently cut
An excavator cut an energised buried power cable during onshore pipeline trenching, without injuries or equipment damage. Incomplete as-built information and misleading drawings left the cable hazard unidentified in risk assessment. The flash highlights isolation, cable tracking during excavation planning and clear communication of stop-work authority.
- 20227 Sep
Temporary Equipment as a Potential Source of Ignition on Offshore Facilities
BSEE describes three examples of temporary equipment unsuitable for hazardous areas on offshore facilities: a diesel air compressor, hydraulic power pack and portable fan. The alert recommends considering equipment checks, ignition controls, management of change, pre-startup review and documented risk assessment throughout installation, use and removal.
- 202226 Jul
Equipment found live: drawings incorrect for Lock-out/Tag-out
A foreman checking for dead found energised control oil pump motor space heaters omitted from lockout/tagout arrangements. Incorrect drawings and a breaker schedule identified the wrong circuit. Work stopped and documentation and isolations were amended. Nobody was harmed; lessons emphasise comprehensive lockout/tagout and checking for dead.
- 202220 Jun
Fire at sea – some timely reminders (Safety4Sea)
This safety flash reproduces Safety4Sea excerpts on shipboard fire risks involving fuel oil leakage, electrical devices, flammable cargo and hot work. It highlights hot-surface insulation above 220 °C, removal of defective equipment, package marking and labelling, and preparation of hot-work areas with an agreed written plan.
- 202220 Jun
High potential: electric shock near miss
An engineer received a minor shock while troubleshooting a faulty 690V motor using a multimeter. The junction-box cover touched one phase during replacement; no injury was confirmed. The flash examines an unassessed change to live electrical work, missing isolation and authorisation, inadequate gloves, and subsequent requirements for crew discussion before work.
- 202231 May
USCG: Exceeding electrical duty rating can lead to failure
A rescue-boat winch continued hoisting after its motor contactor fused because its duty rating was exceeded. Crew isolated power before the boat contacted the davit. The flash relays USCG recommendations to check contactor condition, compare duty ratings with recovery practices, verify safety-device design and train operators in power isolation.
- 20228 Apr
USB power bank (Lithium battery) fire
A lithium-polymer USB power bank caught fire while charging in a vessel cabin. The crew member smothered the flames, disconnected mains power and used water for cooling; no injuries occurred. Findings suggested failure within the power bank. Recommendations address supervised charging and unplugging fully charged units.
- 20224 Apr
Improper Fan and Other Equipment Used in Hazardous (Classified) Locations During Coiled Tubing Operations
BSEE inspectors found an unsuitable fan and extension cord beside a gas buster during coiled tubing operations. Changing the plug had not changed the fan’s rating. The alert recommends considering classification drawings, equipment approval markings, applicable standards and checks for damage or improper electrical modifications.
- 20221 Apr
Safety Alert 436 - Arc Flash Injury During Generator Hookup
An electrician sustained a second-degree arm burn while reconnecting a diesel backup generator to a live bus. The alert identifies shortcomings in task hazard analysis, arc-flash protection and lockout documentation, with breaker defects contributing to the incident. It presents measures for operators and contractors to consider, including assessments, qualification checks and breaker condition reviews.
- 202210 Mar
BSEE Identifies Maintenance and Certification Issues of Rental Generators
BSEE reviews rental generator incidents during start-up and commissioning on the US Outer Continental Shelf in 2021. Failures involved fires, arc flashes and work stoppages. The alert discusses degraded windings, moisture ingress and corrosion, and recommends operators consider certification checks, commissioning assurance, insulation resistance testing and personnel competence measures.
- 20221 Mar
Galley and Living Quarter Fires
BSEE summarises reported galley and living-quarter fires and electrical faults involving cooking appliances, dryers and a stateroom receptacle. Cases include damaged ignitor wiring, dryer overheating and liquid-induced short circuits. Operators are encouraged to consider equipment servicing, electrical inspections, unplugging during specified tasks and regular fire-extinguisher inspection and servicing.
- 202228 Feb
Permit to Work and Isolation procedure not followed
An electrician replacing fuses in a live 930V DC vessel drive cabinet experienced an arc flash without injury. The flash examines absent work permits, unsecured and untagged isolation, inadequate procedures and failure to check isolation before work. Actions focus on reviewing work controls and following workplace instructions.
- 202210 Feb
NTSB: Failure to disconnect and secure vehicle batteries led to fire
This safety flash summarises NTSB findings on the June 2020 Höegh Xiamen fire in Jacksonville. An improperly disconnected vehicle battery caused an electrical fault. Ineffective loading oversight, delayed fire detection and delayed carbon dioxide suppression are discussed, alongside actions addressing training, detection-system reactivation and emergency contact availability.
- 2022Feb
Maintenance of industrial uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
This safety notice examines industrial UPS failures at onshore major hazard establishments, including disrupted emergency power, localised fires and plant shutdowns. It identifies inadequate maintenance information, shorter component lifetimes and outdated firmware, and calls for suppliers to review information and users to update maintenance arrangements using current manufacturer revisions.
- 202210 Jan
Lifejacket battery caught fire
An inspection of a laid-up vessel revealed burnt lifejackets beneath a wheelhouse bench. An expired lithium battery in a lifejacket light had exploded; the closed compartment limited fire spread and contained smoke. The flash recommends suitable storage, expiry checks, scheduled inspections and proper disposal of damaged or expired batteries.
- 202125 Nov
Use of damaged electrical equipment by dock workers
Third-party welders preparing anchor sea-fastening work aboard a vessel in port had damaged wiring connected without a plug. Vessel crew stopped the job, and the ETO repaired the wiring and fitted a suitable plug. The flash highlights omitted visual inspections and possible lessons for subcontractor oversight during busy port calls and mobilisations.
- 202116 Nov
Electric Arc Flash Management
This bulletin examines arc flash hazards and their management on offshore petroleum facilities, drawing on incident notifications and inspection findings. It explains risks during isolation and proving equipment dead, including low-voltage hazards, and discusses engineering measures, procedural controls, training and arc-rated protective equipment alongside operators’ statutory duties.
- 202128 Oct
UK HSE: Lubrication of circuit breakers – safety notice
This flash summarises an HSE notice following an HV circuit breaker explosion and fire. It examines unsuitable cleaning and lubrication products, possible stiction and solvent evaporation, and calls for maintenance procedures to be reviewed against manufacturers’ instructions for product selection, application and servicing intervals.
- 202115 Oct
Portable electrical equipment – serious fire in the accommodation
A kettle left switched on in an unoccupied cabin caused a serious accommodation fire aboard an anchored vessel. Failure of its cut-off switch was considered highly probable. The flash discusses firefighting access, boundary cooling, beard-related breathing-apparatus leakage and questions about permitted portable electrical equipment. No injuries occurred, but damage and off-hire losses were substantial.
- 202122 Sep
Electrician suffered flash burn to hand
An electrician suffered a hand flash burn while checking insulation on a 690-volt bus bar aboard a vessel in dry dock. The switchboard became live after an unguarded status switch changed and the power management system closed a breaker. Lessons address isolation, shipyard work permits, supervision and communication.
- 2021Sep
Lubrication of circuit breakers
HSE warns that unsuitable lubricants can impair high- and low-voltage circuit breaker mechanisms. An investigated failure may have involved lubricant-related stiction. The notice calls for maintenance procedures to follow manufacturers’ instructions, distinguishing cleaning products from lubricants and selecting compatible products at appropriate intervals. LV MCCBs and MCBs are excluded.
- 202131 Aug
Damaged Electrical Cable
During cargo-hold washdown, a crew member observed electrical arcing and glowing tie wire, stopped hosing and alerted the electrician. Ageing and weathering had exposed live wiring, while cable location hindered detailed inspection. The flash calls for visual checks of electrical cables, particularly in areas difficult to see.
- 202131 Aug
UK HSE: Poorly maintained electrical installation caused fatality
An IMCA safety flash describes a fatal electrocution during planned air-compressor maintenance and the subsequent HSE prosecution. Findings included inadequate electrical-contact controls, absent testing and visual inspection since installation, and an unidentified incorrect isolating switch. The account highlights correct isolation points, training, supervision and safe systems of work.
- 202130 Jul
Fault in high voltage equipment
A vessel’s portable seismic sparker produced sparks at its -5600V terminals during initial testing. Investigation identified incorrect washers and bolt threading that could prevent full tightening. Training time was reduced and reporting delayed four weeks. Recommendations address competence, risk assessments, stopping work, power isolation and prompt investigation.
- 202112 Jul
Catering crew unfamiliar with firefighting systems and emergency stops
A galley water leak during vessel fire-pump testing exposed gaps in catering crew familiarity with electrical emergency stops and created potential for electrocution. An audit on another vessel identified similar firefighting awareness gaps. The flash recommends familiarisation, toolbox talks, galley fire drills and accessible, clearly marked emergency stops.
- 202112 Jul
Mains extension melted – not fully paid out
A mains extension cable melted while sub-contractors carried out cutting on a vessel’s deck in dry dock. The reel remained partly wound, causing induction heating; the cable also had taped repairs and lacked qualified pre-use inspection. Actions include inspecting cabling, fully unwinding extensions and considering specialist 110 V equipment.
- 202112 Jul
Overheated transformer activated fire alarm
A vessel’s replacement boiler installation used an incorrectly rated transformer, which overheated, tripped the breaker and triggered the fire alarm. The flash describes evacuation and investigation, calculation errors, and combustible storage near electrical equipment. It recommends current checks during initial energisation, transformer-rating reviews and electrical-cabinet inspections.
- 20219 Jun
NTSB: Fire on laid up Dive Support Vessel
This flash summarises NTSB findings on a fire aboard an unattended, laid-up dive support vessel at a United States shipyard. An electrical short from an unidentified source was the probable cause; hot work was excluded. Disabled fire detection and absent continuous monitoring featured in the account. No injuries or pollution were reported.
- 202125 Mar
Inadquate operation of circuit breaker
A maintenance worker checking a compressor breaker during an annual inspection disengaged it, triggering alarms and facility downtime without injury or equipment damage. The alert examines ambiguous switchboard labels, indicator colours and missing procedures, and asks operators to consider training, updated documentation, pre-job meetings and protective button coverings.
- 202117 Mar
Electric shock due to water in electrical equipment
During freshwater supply to a vessel, water escaped from a galley sounding pipe and wetted cooking equipment. A steward received a mains electric shock but was unharmed. The flash identifies unassessed spill risks and delayed drainage, and recommends open drainage, revised risk assessments and communication of equipment maintenance requirements.
- 202123 Feb
Lead-acid battery explosion
A generator starting incident destroyed the top of a lead-acid battery case. The flash identifies a hot negative-terminal connection that would have ignited any excess hydrogen accumulated in the battery box. Actions include checking connections, following installation instructions and considering batteries that do not release hydrogen during charging.
- 20219 Feb
Electrical Fire Damages Equipment in Motor Control Center
An offshore platform motor control centre fire followed circuit-breaker engagement. Analysis identified loose or damaged bus-bar fasteners, damaged insulation and dust that likely caused an arc. BSEE recommends considering inspection and maintenance procedures, thermography, insulation-resistance and polarisation-index testing, torque checks and component replacement schedules.
- 20218 Feb
Safety Alert 410 - Damaged Electric Cord Results in Arc
An arc flash occurred during construction after a steel self-retracting lanyard cable wore through welding lead insulation and contacted exposed wires. Neither fire nor injury occurred. BSEE recommends considering cable separation, safe routing, pre-use inspections and inclusion of electrical hazard assessments in permit-to-work and job safety analysis reviews.
- 202026 Nov
Cabin fire caused by light fitting overheating
A minor fire in an unoccupied vessel cabin bathroom followed an internal short or failure in a ceiling light fitting. Its melted plastic cover ignited the toilet lid. The flash recommends cabin and light-fitting inspections, conditional electrical isolation, ready firefighting equipment and safe alarm-raising and response.
- 202026 Nov
Fire in a safety locker
A vessel’s rolling displaced a steel wire coil onto a spare Aldis-lamp battery in a changing-room safety locker, causing a short circuit and a small fire. The flash highlights interactions between stored materials, recommends checking stores, and advises removing batteries from stored devices as far as practical.
- 202010 Nov
Two incidents with electrical installations with potential for a fire
Two electrical incidents concern fat-contaminated galley sockets causing an earth fault and potential fire, and a minor machinery-space fire associated with lost terminal continuity. The flash describes socket isolation, lockout and cleaning, dry chemical powder extinguishing, and routine checks of electrical connections and terminations during planned maintenance.
- 202030 Sep
Risk of Fires from Adjustable Speed Drives ASDs
This alert reviews adjustable speed drive fires on the Outer Continental Shelf in 2019 involving harmonic currents, short circuits and moisture ingress. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider monitoring, competency-based training, protective installation environments, electrical protection, harmonic mitigation and earthing, supported by documented procedures and checks.
- 202028 Sep
US Coast Guard: Addressing hazardous area electrical issues
This flash summarises US Coast Guard findings concerning certified electrical installations in vessel hazardous areas. Incorrect installation, missing or degraded components and unfamiliarity with standards compromised protection. The alert strongly recommends IEC-aligned training, periodic inspection and maintenance by competent personnel, competent repairs and regulatory approval of system modifications.
- 202025 Aug
Electrical shock from containerised portable office
An employee received a mild electric shock while tidying a containerised office, touching live wiring hidden beneath a desk. The cable remained after equipment removal during storage. The flash identifies missed checks and absent electrical verification, and describes isolation, inspection and formal instructions for container fit-out and modification.
- 20203 Jun
Safety Alert 388 - Malfunctioning Storage Batteries Cause Fires and Explosions
This alert describes several lead-acid battery fires and explosions involving internal shorts, ageing circuitry and heat accumulation. BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider battery dating, inspection and replacement policies, enclosure ventilation, suitable storage, correct battery selection and charger settings. It also highlights hydrogen generation during charging and related UPS hazards.
- 202018 May
Turbo and Exhaust Manifold Fires Related to Engines
This alert reviews more than 20 compressor and generator fires involving hot turbocharger and exhaust components. Common factors include defective components, hose failures, loose electrical connections and oil entering exhaust or compressor systems. Recommendations for consideration address shielding, insulation, leak checks, temperature shutdowns, fire detection, pressure protection and operator competence.
- 202019 Feb
Short circuit on 440V AC bus bars – arc flash
A crewman repairing an earth bonding cable in a 440V distribution panel caused a short circuit and arc flash when its trailing end contacted a live bus bar. Burns were reported subsequently. The flash examines unauthorised task changes, inadequate terminal insulation, supervision, risk assessment and delayed incident reporting.
- 202019 Feb
Two electrical incidents – UK HSE
This flash summarises two HSE prosecutions involving live electricity. Workers suffered serious hand burns after a fixing penetrated a live cable during cable-tray repairs. In a separate container delivery, a crane arm contacted an overhead power line, causing an electric shock to a helper. Both investigations identified shortcomings in assessing the work.
- 201910 Dec
Safety Alert 373 - Lightning Strikes Threaten Aircraft on Helidecks
A lightning strike damaged an aircraft at an offshore oil and gas facility. The pilot initially found no damage and transported passengers; maintenance personnel subsequently identified damage. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider thorough post-storm inspections, completing required checks and notifications before further flights, and briefing passengers on inspection actions.
- 201912 Nov
Use of surge protected devices on-board vessels
A vessel’s surge-protected extension lead overheated and burned after its varistors heated and the breaker tripped. The flash explains the fixed-earth surge protection design and interaction with shipboard residual current devices. Actions included isolating and removing the lead, examining extension leads for electrical compatibility and removing unsafe items.
- 20198 Nov
Safety Alert 370 Overcharged Battery in Non-Ventilated Box
An RTU panel exploded after an overcharged 12-volt battery generated hydrogen in an unventilated enclosure. An unsuitable electrical component was the likely ignition source. No injuries or nearby equipment damage occurred. BSEE recommends operators consider compliant battery enclosures, installation arrangements preventing hazardous hydrogen accumulation, and electrical components rated for their area classification.
- 201928 Oct
Fire hazard posed by personal electronic devices
This safety flash describes a cabin fire caused by a faulty, unattended mobile phone charger, whose short circuit ignited paper on a desk. Crew reminders cover unplugging unused devices, inspecting devices and cords before use, keeping combustible materials away and checking compatibility with the vessel’s electrical supply.
- 201928 Oct
Lithium batteries: Fire following the failure of a helicopter start power unit
A vessel’s helicopter administration office filled with smoke from a lithium-battery start power unit connected to a charger. Crew mustered and response teams removed and cooled the equipment without injuries. Charger component failure was suspected. Lessons emphasise checking serviceability and not leaving lithium-battery devices unattended whilst charging.
- 201912 Aug
Near miss: Fire/explosion thermal runaway – lead acid battery
This safety flash describes an overheated, swollen lead acid battery found aboard a vessel. Charging heat accelerated the internal reaction, and the battery was at the end of its design life. Lessons address periodic maintenance, possible infrared inspection, suitable chargers and procedures, ventilation, fire protection and faulty-battery removal planning.
- 201912 Aug
Seawater entering cabin caused electrical fault
A passenger cabin porthole left slightly open during vessel operations admitted seawater into an electrical socket, causing a short circuit, burnt wiring and smoke. Responders isolated the supply. The flash highlights vessel induction, watertight integrity inspections when leaving port and a safety discussion involving passengers and crew.
- 201912 Aug
Smouldering coiled extension cable
An extension lead powering a blower during engine-room manhole ventilation overheated and smouldered. It remained around 80% coiled and was incorrectly specified. The flash describes crew awareness gaps, removal of non-approved leads, and instructions to fully unwind cables, supported by revised vessel procedures and training.
- 20192 Aug
Use of ICAR Capacitors in uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems
This alert addresses two industrial UPS fires involving overheating ICAR self-healing polypropylene capacitors in 2011 and 2018. It advises dutyholders to consider prompt replacement of affected models and review cooling requirements. Capacitance testing and visible bulging or discolouration may not reliably indicate these capacitors’ remaining service life.
- 20191 Jul
Space heater caught fire
A heater was remotely re-energised after washing, although housekeeping remained incomplete. Three portable lights, a tarpaulin and adjacent electrical cables caught fire. The flash identifies assumptions about completion and failure to inspect the heater, emphasising physical verification of safe worksite conditions before restoring power.
- 20194 Jun
Galley electric shock – Uncontrolled portable electrical equipment
A chief cook received a mild electric shock when a wet cleaning cloth contacted a galley power board. The non-IP-rated board had been paired with an IP-rated plug for personal appliances. Lessons include removing unsuitable equipment, reviewing extension sockets, inspecting for unauthorised appliances and identifying authorised areas for personal-device use.
- 20194 Jun
Use of 220V AC power tools and equipment
This safety flash addresses concerns about portable 220V AC tools during mobilisation and demobilisation, including cable management, damage, ingress protection and unsuitable conditions. It recommends task-based assessment and pre-use inspection, consideration of alternative tools, and conditional, risk-assessed use of 220V equipment when specified alternatives are unavailable.
- 201929 May
Safety Alert 351 - BSEE Identifies Rig Operations Hazards during Risk Based Inspections
BSEE summarises performance-based risk inspections of 11 Gulf of Mexico rigs following a review of 2016–2018 compliance and incident data. Findings address contractor communication, emergency drills, short-service employees, fitness for duty, safe zones, fall protection, grounding and man riding. Recommendations focus on reviewing procedures and strengthening equipment integrity arrangements.
- 201928 May
Two battery issues – Step Change
Two battery incidents illustrate different hazards: a lifeboat lead-acid starter battery exploded after repeated overcharging, while a lithium-ion battery caught fire following water exposure and short-circuiting of inspection equipment. Lessons address equipment suitability, clear charging instructions, workforce competence, protection against water ingress and care when drying equipment.
- 201913 May
Near miss: Fire of electrical distribution board during diving operations
A barge lost electrical power during air diving at 18 msw when breaker removal created a short circuit and bus-bar flash fire. The diver was recovered using backup power without injury. The flash identifies failures in isolation, lockout/tagout, work permitting and communication between simultaneous electrical and diving operations.
- 201927 Feb
Subcontractor ROV control room damaged by fire
Fire badly damaged an unmanned ROV control container and suitcase ROV aboard an accommodation jack-up, without personnel injury. An electrical fault at an incorrectly adapted portable air-conditioning connection was identified as the most likely source. The flash highlights inadequate fire protection, unmanaged fire risks and absent evidence of mobilisation checklists.
- 201821 Dec
Fires caused by electronic device chargers
This safety flash summarises three fires in living quarters involving possible or apparent links to charging personal electronic devices. It describes firefighting responses and uncertain ignition sources, and relays BSEE recommendations on charger condition, avoiding bedding and heat-trapping surfaces, disconnecting fully charged devices, and communicating charging hazards.
- 201818 Dec
LTI: Severe burn from short circuited Li-Ion battery
A crew member sustained severe burns after a loose lithium-ion vaporiser battery short-circuited with keys in his pocket, triggering thermal runaway and fire. The precise initiating mechanism remained inconclusive. The flash describes medical treatment, a prohibition on carrying loose batteries at work, and recommendations for information on charging, handling and storage.
- 201814 Dec
Crisis Management: Rail Industry High Potential Near Miss
This safety flash examines the evacuation of a stranded train near Peckham Rye, where passengers passed close to an energised conductor rail without injury. It summarises findings on misunderstood communications, driver stress and task overload, inadequate incident preparation and practical training, highlighting lessons for emergency procedures and communication.
- 201830 Oct
Electrician received electric shock from a bare cable
An electrician suffered an electric shock when his hand touched an exposed live cable end while installing cable in a vessel cable tray. The wire was incorrectly labelled as spare. The flash describes a cable verification campaign and recommends work-area inspections, anomaly reporting and appropriate permits and isolations.
- 20182 Oct
Electric Arc Incident
During vessel mobilisation, exposed conductors in an ROV control cabin arced when energised, without injury or equipment damage. A temporary workshop power modification had not been formally documented or communicated, and the cable was not correctly reinstated. Lessons address change management, job briefings, pre-mobilisation checks and electrical testing procedures.