Saturation diver exposed to chemicals from pipeline

Description of Incident

The incident occurred during a bell run to disconnect a 5cm pigging/flushing hose. During the disconnect process, the diver became exposed to the contents of the pipeline. The diver noted discomfort to exposed areas of the wrists and arms and was recalled to the bell. At the bell, the affected areas were cleaned with a mild soap. The divers’ suit and gear were removed and stored on the outside of the bell. The bell run was terminated, and the divers returned to the chamber complex for evaluation and monitoring. In the chamber the diver thoroughly washed with soap and cool water, and applied burn cream to the affected areas.

Subsequently the diver noted light scabs forming on the left forearm and light blisters on the right, and burn cream was applied. The divers went onto decompression shortly afterwards as the job was over. The company Diving Medical Officer diagnosed first degree chemical burns to the neck and second degree chemical burns to both forearms. The diver was in due course cleared to return to assigned duties.

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