200831 Crew injured by disc grinder

The chief engineer assigned a routine maintenance task, involving the use of a portable powered disc grinder to an experienced fitter. During the operation, the grinding disk shattered, resulting in multiple injuries to the fitter's hand. He was given first aid and transferred ashore for further medical treatment.

Root cause/contributory factors
Failure to implement company's procedures for using power tools;
Inadequate procedures / instructions;
Inadequate checks of power tool and accessories before use;
Improper handling of materials;
Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Lessons learnt
Operations involving power tools are inherently risky. A responsible officer must carry out a proper risk assessment and issue clear safety instructions to the personnel entrusted with the task.
At every opportunity, the crew must be trained in the safe and proper operation of equipment and controls.

Editor's note: On some ships, there may be more than one type of powered disc grinder. If the rated speeds of the grinders are different, and the lower RPM disc is inadvertently used on the higher RPM grinder, there is great danger of disc shattering and causing injury / damage. On-board procedures must ensure that such a mix-up of discs does not occur.