Falling object – Grating fell onto pipe deck
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 January 2006
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 01/06
- 1 minute read
One of our members reports an incident wherein a piece of grating, of size 37×15 cm and weight 3 kg, fell 11 metres from a catwalk onto the pipe-deck below. Whilst there were crew members in the area, no-one was hurt.
The following causes were identified:
- Insufficient quality control/verification of finished work
- The weld that secured the piece of grating failed
- Work management – insufficient following up of work
The following actions were recommended:
- Inspect grating in derrick and grating in other elevated areas for similar unsupported cut-outs.
- Ensure the areas around lifting operations are well closed off in all directions. (This was done in this case.)
- Ensure personnel avoid area below elevated areas when repairs are being conducted.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is 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.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.