Ineffective Crane Stinger Hook Pin Installation (BSEE)
- Safety Flash
- Published on 27 February 2023
- Generated on 26 December 2024
- IMCA SF 06/23
- 2 minute read
The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Report 452 relating to a high-potential dropped object incident on a Gulf of Mexico energy facility.
What happened?
The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Report 452 relating to a high-potential dropped object incident on a Gulf of Mexico energy facility.
While using the platform crane to suspend a wireline lubricator, the pin holding the hook on the crane stinger backed out, resulting in the hook and lubricator falling.
The incident caused damage to a section of the lubricator.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
What went wrong?
The incident investigation found that the cotter pin at the end of the hook pin had sheared (see Figure 1), which allowed the washer to fall and the pin to back out. When the pin backed out, it caused the ear on the connection to distort (see Figure 2), resulting in the hook failing.
The investigation also found there was an inadequate pin configuration design. The pin installed on the hook assembly had a smooth composition (see Figure 3). The operator determined that a threaded bolt with nuts and keepers (see Figure 4) was the proper pin design for ensuring the stinger remains secure throughout lifting operations.
BSEE notes that following this event, the operator inspected their other facilities and found the same improper arrangement on additional cranes.
Lessons learned
Therefore, BSEE recommends that operators and contractors:
- Inspect all cranes on the facility and verify that the hook assembly has a threaded pin with nuts and keepers.
- Retro-fit any stingers equipped with an improper stinger hook pin configuration.
- Verify all crane components are in alignment with current manufacturer recommendations.
- Add “assessment of the pin condition” into the pre-use inspection checklist, which should be completed before conducting lifting operations.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 16/16
27 June 2016
-
IMCA SF 02/08
4 February 2008
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.