Termination of elastic shock cords
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 September 2000
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 05/00
- 1 minute read
We have recently learnt of a near miss where an ROV supervisor used an elasticated shock cord (bungee cord) to secure a television monitor in place.
What happened?
The cord was terminated with a hook-type device but the cord itself was looped back on itself and clamped with a clip.
When the cord was stretched to the second firing point, the clip failed to hold, resulting in it pulling through the hook and spinning out violently, narrowly missing the supervisor’s face.
The company involved has undertaken the following actions:
- Replace, wherever practical, all bungee cords.
- If bungee cords are the only practical solution, ensure that a figure of eight knot is tied in the cord to prevent it being pulled through the hook end termination unit.
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.