Safety Flash
High potential near miss: Dropped line pipe after vacuum lifter failed
High potential near miss: Dropped line pipe after vacuum lifter failed
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/19
- Inspection and MaintenanceLifting OperationsLine of FireMachinery and Equipment
- Dropped objectsLine of fireMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- Alarm managementFunctional testingPreventive maintenanceRisk assessment
Summary
A vacuum lifter lost suction while an excavator loaded line pipe onto a trailer, dropping the load from approximately 2 m in height. Personnel were clear. The flash discusses worn and partly replaced seals, a missing alignment tab, absent routine testing and maintenance information, and recommends daily integrity tests and alarm verification.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
A vacuum lifter dropped a pipe after seal deterioration and inadequate testing caused sudden loss of suction.
IMCA SF 02/19. Themes: inspection and maintenance, lifting operations, line of fire, machinery and equipment.