Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Subsea chain lever hoist failure - DEV imca
Skip to content

Subsea chain lever hoist failure

IMCA has received a report of a near-miss resulting from a failure of a chain lever hoist being used in a subsea operation.

The hoist had a safe working load (SWL) of 3 tonnes and was in use for the first time underwater. It was reported to be in correct usage, loaded correctly and rigged such that it was inverted, with a load of about 2 tonnes suspended from the hook on the block casing. The weight was subsequently removed from the hook and the unit left in hoist mode.

Subsequently, a load was again hung off the unit and a diver later attempted to lower it. He switched the hoist to lowering mode and started to move the lever. As he did so the load dropped, the free chain running through the unit; and the brake eventually engaging, but not before it had dropped about 0.75 metres. It then operated satisfactorily in hoist mode.

All usual safety procedures had been followed and there were no injuries or significant damage to equipment.

The unit was immediately withdrawn from service and is currently undergoing extensive tests along with other similar chain lever hoists.

The company involved reminded users of its safety procedures, the importance of risk assessments, lift plans, not working under suspended loads, avoiding single point failures and the use of secondary back-up rigging.

Members are warned that no certain cause for this failure has yet been identified and to take great care when using chain lever hoists.

Investigation continues and, while no conclusions have as yet been made, orientation of the lever hoist has not been discounted as a contributory factor. Therefore, in addition to the previous precautions, another company has also instructed its employees that lever hoists should not be used in the inverted position during lifting operations; that loads should not be transferred from a lever hoist direct to a crane hook or vice versa without the load first being laid down in a suitable safe and stable location; and that particular attention should be paid to the slack chain to ensure that the chain does not bind or catch on any part of the lever hoist or adjacent equipment, during either lifting or pulling operations.

A DVD showing the incident is available from IMCA on request.

Safety Event

Published: 16 February 2007
Download: IMCA SF 01/07

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.