Damaged Electrical Cable
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 August 2021
- Generated on 5 November 2026
- IMCA SF 24/21
- 1 minute read
While washing down a vessel’s cargo hold, a crew member noticed arcing from around two electrical cables near the cargo hold light.
What happened?
Upon closer investigation the crew member noticed that a piece of tie wire connected to the cables was glowing red.
The crew member immediately stopped hosing down, turned the water supply off, and notified the ship’s electrician.
Damaged cable
Cargo hold
What were the causes?
The outer insulation of the cabling was damaged.
The cable insulation had deteriorated due to age and weathering, exposing the live wire.
The location of the cable was such that it was not easily accessed for detailed visual inspection.
Actions
- Visual inspection of all electrical cables for early signs of ageing and weathering, particularly in difficult to see areas.
IMCA notes that neglected exposed mains cabling is a surprisingly common high potential issue, in an area – electrical safety – that ought to be a good deal more tightly controlled.
Members may wish to consider:
- Short video: Electrical hazards
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 10/21
8 April 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 25/20
25 August 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 19/19
12 August 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 24/18
30 October 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
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.