Safety Flash
Near-miss involving knuckle boom crane – hydraulic pump selection
Near-miss involving knuckle boom crane – hydraulic pump selection
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 08/08
- Competence and TrainingCrane and RiggingLifting OperationsMachinery and Equipment
- Dropped objectsLine of fire
- Cargo transferLifting operations
- CranePumps
- Competence and trainingRisk assessmentSafety communication
- Marine industry
- Port and quaysideVessel
Summary
A drum transfer using a heave-compensated knuckle boom crane led to an uncontrolled descent of approximately three metres, stopping approximately two metres above the deck. Analysis linked the event to operating multiple functions with two hydraulic pumps. Corrective actions addressed pump selection, operator familiarisation, risk assessment and warnings about suspended loads.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Cargo transfer; cargo handling.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Crane; cranes.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Port and quayside; quayside; harbour; harbor.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Insufficient hydraulic pumps caused an uncontrolled crane load descent, prompting revised operating guidance, training and risk assessments.
IMCA SF 08/08. Themes: competence and training, crane and rigging, lifting operations, machinery and equipment.