Safety Flash
Failure of underwater pan and tilt rotator unit
Failure of underwater pan and tilt rotator unit
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/15
- ExplosionLine of FireMachinery and EquipmentManagement of Change
- ExplosionFireLine of fireMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Rotating machineryRemotely operated vehicle
- Management of changeRisk assessment
Summary
An ROV camera pan-and-tilt unit exploded after recovery following minor subsea problems, ejecting its attached driver assembly and camera. Flames were extinguished and nobody was injured. The overpressure origin remained under investigation. Lessons address line-of-fire exposure, reducing maintenance work to ALARP, and assessing changed circumstances through management of change.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
An underwater camera rotator unit exploded during testing, propelling its attached assembly without injuring personnel.
IMCA SF 06/15. Themes: explosion, line of fire, machinery and equipment, management of change.