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
Equipment at height not properly secured - DEV imca
Skip to content

Equipment at height not properly secured

A member has reported an incident in which tools were found inappropriately secured above a pedestrian walkway. A slip-in spade was found tied to a hand rail with a badly chafed rope. A piece of thin copper wire had been used to compensate for the poor condition of the rope. At the time of the observation, the copper wire had started to corrode and did not appear to be a sufficient method for securing the spade.

The location of the handrail was outside the outer boundary of the decking. This overhang meant that the decking would have provided no protection had the spade become unsecured and had fallen. Directly below the spade was a pedestrian walkway as indicated by yellow markings.

The spade was removed immediately and the observation was reported. There were no injuries.

Spade secured to handrail
Spade secured to handrail
Spade secured to handrail
Spade secured to handrail
Spade secured to handrail and view to deck below
Spade secured to handrail and view to deck below

This observation and subsequent action to eliminate the hazard undoubtedly prevented a near miss or injury to personnel had the spade fallen.

Members are encouraged to forward this information to offshore personnel as a reminder to properly secure equipment and tools when working at height.

Further information on safe working at height can be found in the following IMCA safety promotional material:

Safety Event

Published: 29 February 2012
Download: IMCA SF 02/12

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.