1. The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the purposes
of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any guidance and/or
recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-27
Issued: 24th
June 2013
Subject: Sharp Mud Mixers on Platform Supply Vessels
Incident 1 – During tank cleaning of a mud tank on-board a PSV the cleaning operative lost his
footing due to sticky excessive fallout and on putting his hand out to steady himself sliced his finger
through his gloves on the mud mixer blade. Cleaning operative received on site first aid treatment.
Incident 2 – During the last stages of a mud tank clean the cleaning operative removed the
protective cover fitted on the mud mixer for protection during cleaning to clean the mixer before
exiting. As the cleaning operative was completing this he managed to rotate the blade into his own
leg. This required medical treatment with the operative having 6 stitches.
After incident 1 the risk assessments and procedures were reviewed and similar cover’s to those
used for covering small boat propellers were manufactured and introduced to be used during
cleaning on the ABS type mud mixers to prevent this in future.
Although the covers minimise the risk of injury there is still risk and the potential for injury during
fitting and removal of any temporary covers.

2. The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the purposes
of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any guidance and/or
recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
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Recommendations
Vessel’s to review their own arrangements and how best to reduce/remove the risk to personnel
operating in the vicinity of mixers.
Fixed safety guards (as shown below) are recommended.