High potential incident: gantry hoist failure
- Safety Flash
- Published on 6 July 2020
- Generated on 8 November 2025
- IMCA SF 20/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
An electrically powered gantry hoist failed whilst under load dropping cargo and lifting equipment to deck. The incident occurred during a lift of 500 kg of palletised provisions onto the vessel.
The failure resulted in the provisions falling onto the deck. The gantry hoist housing included a chain box containing approximately 10 m of 10 mm chain weighing approximately 19 kg which dropped 4 m (12 ft) onto the deck.
There were no injuries. However, there was potential for serious or fatal injury.
What were the causes? What went wrong?
The hoist motor / gearbox housing securing bolts failed due to excessive and previously unidentified internal corrosion.
What actions were taken?
Review and improvement of:
- Procurement process to emphasise the importance of ensuring that equipment is selected by a competent person, is suitable for its intended purpose and operating environment.
- Mechanical lifting equipment procedure modified to further emphasise the importance of complying with the procurement process and the manufacture’s installation, use and maintenance requirements.
- Enhanced arrangements for the management and control of equipment maintenance and inspection records and general record keeping.
Members may wish to refer to
- IMCA HSS019 Guidelines for lifting operations
- Two short “Are you prepared to work safely?” videos: Lifting operations, Lifting equipment
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 12/20
31 March 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 16/08
30 October 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.