Safety Flash
Diver loss of consciousness during underwater burning activities
Diver loss of consciousness during underwater burning activities
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 31/16
- Competence and TrainingDivingHot Work and FireManagement of Change
- Risk management
- DecommissioningDiving operationsHot work
- Competence and trainingManagement of changeOperating and work proceduresRisk assessment
- Subsea
Summary
A diver lost consciousness during underwater burning while removing a subsea structure after cold cutting proved problematic. A suspected blow back was believed responsible, with gas accumulation a possible immediate cause. The flash examines unrecognised task changes, risk assessment and procedural shortcomings, and competence assurance while the investigation remained ongoing.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Decommissioning; facility dismantling.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
A diver lost consciousness during underwater burning after evolving work hazards were not reassessed and procedures and controls were not fully followed.
IMCA SF 31/16. Themes: competence and training, diving, hot work and fire, management of change.