Safety Flash 10/26

Click here to download the IMCA Safety Flash 10/26. Here are a few of the incidents covered;

Three crane incidents

A member reports three separate but related crane incidents. The actual consequences were, cranes out of action, operational delays, reputational damage, and the potential consequences were injury and equipment damage.

Finger trapped and injured whilst working on heavy equipment

The incident – a Restricted Work Case (RWC) injury – occurred onboard a vessel while third-party technicians were conducting trials on pipelaying equipment. An Induction Heating Coil (IHC), suspended from a davit crane, did not open as intended. The technician, who was not part of the coating team, intervened to assist. During the intervention when the coil was subsequently prized opened, the technician’s  hand was placed near the closing joint. The coil then closed suddenly, pinching the individual’s right index finger. While transiting to an offshore field in heavy weather conditions (winds 35-39 kts, swell 4-6m), the vessel experienced heavy rolling and pitching. Although deck cargo was reported as secured, a sodium chloride brine storage tank shifted approximately 0.5m. The tank struck the crash rail, causing the manifold valve to fail and resulting in a limited brine spill onto the main deck. The crew took immediate action to stop the leak, re-secured all deck cargo, and notified the relevant authorities. Limited environmental impact was observed.

Machinery damaged through improper maintenance technique

Further investigation revealed that purifier bowl components had been swapped with parts from the lube oil purifier, with different serial numbers. After reinstalling genuine parts, the purifier showed excessive current flow and high vibration. Inspection confirmed mechanical damage to the bowl caused by improper dismantling. Further investigation revealed that purifier bowl components had been swapped with parts from the lube oil purifier, with different serial numbers. After reinstalling genuine parts, the purifier showed excessive current and high vibration. Inspection confirmed mechanical damage to the bowl caused by improper dismantling.