SAFE / 06-2008

LPSQ WATCH – SAFETY CIRCULAR

The purpose of LPSQ WATCH is to provide information from the LPSQ Team on HSSEQ [Health,
Safety, Security, Environment & Quality] issues. This is intended for internal circulation only. (Please
acknowledge receipt of this circular in your next message)

Fatality during Gantry Crane Operation

Dear Captains,

We wish to bring to your attention recently of a serious and fatal accident on board one of our
vessels involving a fall of one of the Gantry crane trolleys along with its operating cabin into
the water.

This resulted in loss of the life of the seamen (AB) who was present inside the crane cabin at
that time. Maintenance and repair work was being done on the trolley which was reportedly
stuck on shore side end for quite some time, when suddenly the trolley rolled on to the other
side with full speed past the mechanical stopper, tipped and fell into the water(refer photos).
The Chief Engineer, Chief Officer, Electrical Officer, Bosun and AB were involved in the
maintenance activity of the Trolley.

While detailed investigations are being carried out to ascertain the root cause, we would urge
you to exercise extreme caution while operating/carrying out maintenance on ship's cranes
and other lifting gear / appliances.

Precautions to be taken :

1. Please ensure that all limit switches /brakes are fully functional and none of them are by-
passed. Proper tag out procedures (Shipboard Procedures Manual/ Safety Health & welfare
Section 3.9) are to be followed when working on any electrical equipment, and especially if
any safety device has been removed or needs to be removed for maintenance / repair.

2. Relevant precautions as per checklist / permit are to be always taken .The Form SMD 62 on
the "Permit for working on the Electrical Circuits" and Company's SMS procedures are to be
followed. Ship specific Crane Operations manual on board and any other guidelines for crane
operations available on board are to be consulted. Reference is also drawn to the Bulk Carrier
Manual App. VIII/Part II Sect. 16 in this regard. [Note: The CD of SMS Manuals sent in Jan
2008 contains this Manual] .

3. Senior personnel must always supervise repairs. Never leave juniors alone.

4. Every person operating the crane must have been fully familiarized with its operations by
suitably experienced senior staff on board as appointed by the Master. If the person does not
have previous experience in operation of Cranes this familiarization should be even more
intense. Stress should be given on the functions of various safety devices and their
importance.

5. The familiarization of crew members with crane/cargo gear operations should be recorded
as a remark on the Standard familiarization form.

6. Personnel not associated with the crane operation must always stay clear of the cranes.
While working near the crane cabin / on trolley/on walkways etc, necessary precautions for
working aloft additionally must be complied with.

Dated: 18th July 2008 Page 1 of 3

SAFE / 06-2008

7. While operating cranes or during maintenance sufficient clearance from any obstructions
must be ensured and effective communication /contact must be established and maintained
all times with the personnel below.

8. During crane operation at night sufficient illumination must always be ensured around the
working area.

9.Besides the electrical limit switches, the structural condition of the mechanical stoppers at
the ends of the crane trolley operating areas such as at the extreme end of the gantry cranes
or similar should also be checked and their condition noted. Any abnormality or wear or
damage or cracks etc. are to be informed to the vessel's superintendent immediately.

10.Repairs except normal wear and tear repairs to cranes are to take place only with the
consultation of the superintendent and crane operation should be ceased till such time the
repairs are effected (with all due precautions).

11. Personnel must be familiar with emergency operation and dealing with situations when
the cranes fail midway during operations.

12.It is to be ensured all load tests and thorough examinations are carried out as per
schedules and by competent personnel.

The findings of the accident investigation which is being carried out will be sent to all the
vessels in due course.

Please discuss this Circular in your Safety Committee Meetings and acknowledge the receipt
to in-sdc1-hseq@bs-shipmanagement.com.

“Remember there are no shortcuts to safety and even a momentary lapse can cost a
life.”

Wish you all safe voyages.

Shiva Shankar
Group LPSQ Regulatory Compliance Centre

Encl: Photos

Dated: 18th July 2008 Page 2 of 3

SAFE / 06-2008

The aft Stopper

Overview of damaged outboard end

Forward stopper

Dated: 18th July 2008 Page 3 of 3