Safety Flash
Chain hoist failure resulting in a serious near miss
Chain hoist failure resulting in a serious near miss
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 12/20
- Crane and RiggingDropped ObjectsInspection and MaintenanceLifting Operations
- CorrosionDropped objectsMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- Exclusion zonesFunctional testingPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
An electric chain hoist failed while lifting a 400 kg charge air cooler during vessel engine maintenance, dropping the load two metres. Internal brake corrosion impaired load holding despite current inspection records. The flash describes inadequate unloaded testing, personnel remaining in safe zones, expanded maintenance scopes and annual overload-device checks.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
The third-party contractor who was tasked with the maintenance job was in the process of lifting the item when the (electric) chain hoist failed, resulting in the load dropping two metres to the engine room deck plating.
IMCA SF 12/20. Themes: crane and rigging, dropped objects, inspection and maintenance, lifting operations.