Safety Flash
Inadvertent lowering of lifeboat
Inadvertent lowering of lifeboat
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 09/12
- Control of WorkEvacuation, Escape and RescueLifting OperationsMachinery and Equipment
- Mechanical failureRisk management
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- Lifeboat
- Preventive maintenanceRisk assessmentStop-work authority
Summary
During steel-plate lifting in high winds, a damaged tag line snagged a lifeboat release wire, releasing its gravity brake and lowering the boat to sea. No injuries or damage occurred. Investigation identified missed snagging risks and oil-contaminated brake linings; follow-up addressed risk assessment, tag-line inspection and lifeboat maintenance.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Lifeboat; survival craft.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Summary
A tag line snagged a lifeboat release wire during a windy lifting task, lowering the boat and exposing weaknesses in risk assessment and brake maintenance.
IMCA SF 09/12. Themes: control of work, evacuation, escape and rescue, lifting operations, machinery and equipment.