Safety Flash
Life raft self-activates and falls to the quayside
Life raft self-activates and falls to the quayside
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 21/18
- Contractor ManagementEvacuation, Escape and RescuePressure Systems
- Dropped objectsMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Gas cylinderValve
- Contractor managementOperating and work procedures
- Marine industry
- Port and quaysideVessel
Summary
A life raft self-inflated and fell 8 m from a vessel deck onto a barriered quayside area, without injury or property damage. Improper cylinder servicing was identified; potential diaphragm damage, overfilling and sustained extreme heat could have contributed to failure. Lessons emphasise manufacturer servicing requirements and third-party service assurance.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Port and quayside; quayside; harbour; harbor.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Improper servicing and extreme heat caused a life raft cylinder diaphragm to fail and the raft to self-inflate.
IMCA SF 21/18. Themes: contractor management, evacuation, escape and rescue, pressure systems.