Safety Flash
Near-miss involving diver’s neck dam
Near-miss involving diver’s neck dam
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 12/03
- Competence and TrainingControl of WorkDivingInspection and Maintenance
- Mechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceSaturation diving
- Personal protective equipment
- Competence and trainingControl of workOperating and work proceduresSafety communication
Summary
A saturation diver discovered missing and loose neck-dam retaining screws during preparations to enter the bell. Inspection identified stripped threads and fitting contrary to company procedures. The flash describes maintenance authorisation and access controls, while clarifying that the fitting method was not necessarily incorrect under other companies’ or manufacturers’ procedures.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Saturation diving; sat diving.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Control of work; work control.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Summary
Loose and missing neck-dam fasteners exposed failures in authorised maintenance, equipment checks and procedural compliance.
IMCA SF 12/03. Themes: competence and training, control of work, diving, inspection and maintenance.