Diver hand burn injury during underwater cutting operation
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 March 2005
- Generated on 9 April 2026
- IMCA SF 03/05
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported an incident where a diver received a burn to his hand while using underwater cutting equipment.
The company concerned has advised its employees as follows.
Before using such equipment, ensure that:
- Hose and cables are in good condition with no visible cuts, cracking or splitting. Cable lug connectors should be securely attached and without visible excessive corrosion.
- All electrical connections are watertight. This can be achieved by carefully taping the connection with approved electrical insulating tape. Tape should extend at least 10cm/4″ up the cable on both sides of the connection.
- Equipment is seen to be in overall good condition. If any doubt exists as to the condition of cutting and burning .equipment, guidance should be sought from the appropriate manager prior to commencement of work.
- Any defective components noted during the inspection process should be removed and replaced before equipment is used. Replaced components should be marked and stored in a safe and secure area, and passed for further inspection/ management action as soon as practicable.
- Equipment is operated and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.