Safety Flash
Diver’s lost gas incident
Diver’s lost gas incident
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 01/04
- Control of WorkDivingEmergency ResponseManagement of Change
- Pressure systems
- Diving operations
- Diving bellOperator displays and control interfaces
- Management of changeOperating and work proceduresPre-use checksSafety communication
- Marine industry
- SubseaVessel
Summary
Two divers lost their main gas supply after replacement bell-panel gauges changed the pressure reference without corresponding procedural updates. Automatic backup gas also lacked sufficient pressure. The bellman restored supply. Lessons address management of change, recording gas pressures during bell checks and communicating departures from normal operating practice.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Diving bell; closed bell; wet bell.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Unmanaged replacement of pressure gauges created incorrect procedures and led to loss of diver gas supply at depth.
IMCA SF 01/04. Themes: control of work, diving, emergency response, management of change.