- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Fatal diver incident due to uncontrolled differential pressure
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) has published the following safety alert regarding a diving fatality which was caused by uncontrolled differential pressure. The incident occurred when the diver was preparing to blind off the torpedo pipe on the rig’s pontoon. The torpedo pipe is a 0.45m diameter pipe running through the pontoon of the rig to allow for wires used when thrusters are to be replaced. The length of this pipe was 13m, with one lower valve 1m up from the bottom, and one upper valve 1.2 m from the top of the pipe. The valves were partly open to equalise the pipe.
A safety meeting had been conducted before work started, and this pipe was the seventh to be worked on. The diving was carried out following the NORSOK U-103 standard for inshore diving.
What went wrong?
When the diver introduced air into the pipe an artificial, undiscovered concrete plug on top of the upper valve broke and the divers head and left arm were sucked into the pipe causing great pain. The standby diver, being fully dressed, entered the water immediately (within 30 seconds) and the wounded diver was brought to the surface within 9 minutes. At the time he had stopped breathing, but his breathing and pulse were regained through CPR. The diver was sent to hospital where he died two days later.
This fatal diving incident was due to uncontrolled differential pressure.
IOGP Safety Alert number 275 can be seen at safetyzone.iogp.org/SafetyAlerts/alerts/Detail.asp?alert_id=275
The following information will also be of use and interest:
- Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) video on the dangers of differential pressure: videos.adc-int.org/dangers-of-delta-p;
- UK Health & Safety Executive (UKHSE) Diving Information: Sheet No 13 Differential pressure hazards in diving;
- UKHSE research report: RR761 Differential pressure hazards in diving.
Members may wish to review the following similar incidents (search words: differential, pressure):
Safety Event
Published: 2 August 2016
Download: IMCA SF 20/16
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.