NFFO Urges All Fishermen to Fit CO Detectors Onboard

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), the representative body for fishermen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is urging all vessels to fit potentially lifesaving carbon monoxide detectors following the tragic death of two fishermen in Whitby, who died after accidentally inhaling the poisonous gas.

NFFO viced support to initiatives that highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and this latest incident has lead the body to strongly support additional measures to address this hidden threat.

The NFFO has been working closely with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to follow recommendations from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and ensure similar incidents are prevented in future.

“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 of the NFFO.

Mark Arries, 26, and Edward Ide, 21, from Northumberland, were found dead on the Eshcol, moored in Whitby harbour in January.

The MAIB report into the incident, released this month, confirmed the cause of death was CO poisoning and indicated this could have been avoided if they’d had an alarm fitted in the boat.

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. However, the requirement is non-specific.

The NFFO saids having the requirement in the new code will close loopholes and ensure alarms are installed pre-accident where they can save lives.

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Press Release; June 27, 2014; Image: WorkSafe BC