Safety Flash
Failure of EGS valve stem on dive helmet
Failure of EGS valve stem on dive helmet
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 17/21
- CorrosionDivingInspection and Maintenance
- CorrosionMechanical failure
- Diving operationsInspection and maintenance
- Breathing apparatusValve
- Functional testingNon-destructive testingPre-use checksPreventive maintenance
Summary
A diving helmet’s emergency gas valve handle broke during pre-dive inspection on deck. Laboratory analysis attributed the failure to pitting and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. After replacement and testing, the helmet returned to service. The company introduced scheduled dye penetrant testing and identified three further stems with stress-like indications.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Non-destructive testing; NDT; non-destructive examination; NDE.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Summary
A member reported an incident in which the emergency gas system (EGS) valve handle on a commercial diving helmet broke off. At the time of the failure the dive helmet was undergoing pre-dive inspection on deck.
IMCA SF 17/21. Themes: corrosion, diving, inspection and maintenance.