Cleaning procedures were in progress on a vessel’s empty holds. A solution of water and chemicals with a high alkaline value was being applied via a spray nozzle. Crew were protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical suits and rubber boots.
One crew member’s chemical suit was somewhat short and there was insufficient overlap with the boots. During the cleaning process, spray droplets on the chemical suit trickled down the length of the suit and entered the boots. The...