Equipment found live: drawings incorrect for Lock-out/Tag-out
- Safety Flash
- Published on 26 July 2022
- Generated on 2 November 2025
- IMCA SF 19/22
- 2 minute read
During an inspection, it was discovered that the heaters were still live and energised.
What happened?
An electrical working foreman was “checking for dead” on control oil pump motor space heaters. It was discovered that the heaters were still live and energized. The heaters were not included in the Lock-out / Tag-out arrangements. After review of the drawings and the load centre breaker schedule, it was determined that the drawing and the breaker schedule were incorrect. The heaters were indicated as one circuit on the drawings and the breaker schedule, but they were traced back to another circuit.
Work was stopped and the LOTO, drawings and breaker schedule were all modified.
What went right?
- An increased focus on LOTO during this outage allowed electrical personnel to find the error.
- The electrical working foreman noticed the hazard and it was corrected.
- No-one was harmed.
What went wrong?
- The drawings were incorrect, but as this work was infrequent, it had not been noted previously.
Lessons learned
- There was a review of work practices with plant staff to communicate the issue as a result of this alert.
- Ensure all appropriate or possibly relevant electrical equipment is locked out/tagged out.
- Always “check for dead”.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 03/22
28 January 2022
-
IMCA SF 26/21
22 September 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 27/18
14 December 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 20/17
11 August 2017
-
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.