The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation (NFFO) is urging all vessels to fit potentially lifesaving carbon monoxide detectors following the death of two fishermen who inhaled the poisonous gas.
Mark Arries, 26, and Edward Ide, 21, from Northumberland, UK, were found dead on the Eshcol, moored in Whitby harbour in January. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report into the incident confirmed the cause of death was carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and indicated this could have been avoided if they’d had an alarm fitted on the boat.
“We are not normally in the business of adding to the regulatory burden on fishermen, but the minimal cost involved in fitting an alarm and the catastrophic consequences of CO poisoning has persuaded us that an obligation to fit a detector should be included in the new code of practice,” said Barrie Deas, chief executive, NFFO.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Regulations, it is a requirement for risks to be identified and suitable measures taken to reduce the chance of harm. Therefore, fitting an alarm is already considered a requirement under this regulation.
The NFFO says having the requirement in the new code will close loopholes and ensure alarms are installed pre-accident where they can save lives.
The MAIB report also highlighted six other cases since 2000 where seven people lost their lives due to CO poisoning, most of whom were fishermen. It also stated it receives a number of near misses each year.
“With fishing already the most dangerous profession in the UK, there is no excuse for not minimising just one of the risks in such a cheap and simple way,” added Robert Greenwood, safety and training officer, NFFO.
On top of supporting changes to the codes of practice, the Fishing Vessel Safety Folders have been updated. These are used by the industry body, Seafish, in its fishermen’s training courses, to ensure fishermen are alert to the danger of CO fumes.
