Analysis of the explosion linked to the formation of an explosive atmosphere in a shop carrying fuel products (gasoline, kerosene) through the accident involving the tanker M/T Chassiron that occurred on June 13, 2003

International audienceThe rise in the flows of dangerous cargo shipped in bulk by sea has in some cases led to a rise in the explosion hazards onboard the ships that carry products that may release flammable vapors. This hazard is especially accentuated during loading, unloading and cleaning operations which may encourage the formation of an explosive atmosphere (ATEX) in the storage tanks. In parallel with the safety of such vessels, aspects relating to crew protection and safety must be taken into account. The new Maritime Labor Convention adopted in 2006 opens the way to social standardization for the seafaring world. In 2003, while conducting a joint technical and organizational investigation into the explosion onboard the petroleum product (gasoline and kerosene) tanker M/T Chassiron, INERIS and the Office of Investigation into Events at Sea identified the advantage of ensuring that this kind of oil tanker displacing less than 20,000 tons be inerted as part of the prevention of the formation of an ATEX environment in line with European Directive ATEX 1999/92/CE[1] relating to the minimum stipulations aimed at improving the safety and welfare protection of workers who may be exposed to explosive atmosphere hazard