Safety Flash
Unintentional release of diving helmet – neck dam/helmet securing arrangements
Unintentional release of diving helmet – neck dam/helmet securing arrangements
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 20/16
- DivingHuman Factors
- Mechanical failure
- Saturation diving
- Personal protective equipment
- Positive retention and reliable securing
Summary
This flash reports two unintended neck-ring releases on KM17C helmets during saturation diving. It recommends checking equipment interfaces to prevent snagging the release mechanism, maintaining awareness of release potential and reporting further problems immediately. A manufacturer-developed pull pin sleeve may help prevent recurrence.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Saturation diving; sat diving.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Summary
The guidance addresses preventing helmet release caused by equipment interfaces catching the securing mechanism.
IMCA SF 20/16. Themes: diving, human factors.