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The forward cargo tank of the FIONA exploded while a surveyor measured cargo temperature prior to unloading, resulting in one death. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that A steam leak in the tank caused static charge to be generated The charge accumulated on an ungrounded temperature probe and discharged as the probe was withdrawn from the tank, The resulting sparks ignited explosive vapors from the residue of the tank's previous cargo [9]. NTSB's recommendations addressed the foregoing items and other contributory factors: FIONA's cargo tanks should have been inerted. Inert gas system (IGS) should be used with all cargoes unless tanks are gas free. The main source of the explosive vapors was contamination of the cargo by previous condensate cargo, while release of light hydrocarbons by the fuel oil in the tank may have been contributory. Masters of vessels carrying Grade E cargoes should certify that explosive vapors are not present prior to sampling or measuring cargoes with a combustible gas indicator device. The static charge was generated by a steam leak in the cargo heating pipes and accumulated on an ungrounded temperature probe. Better maintenance might have prevented the casualty. The probe lacked a precautionary nameplate stating the, need for grounding the instrument during use. Underwriters Laboratory UL) should adopt the Canadian Standards Association requirement for such a nameplate. The internal grounding wiring on these probes should also be checked periodically.
As a result of the accident, NTSB recommended that "A Manual for the Safe Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Other Hazardous Products", be revised to thoroughly address static electricity hazards on tank vessels.