High potential incident: gantry hoist failure

What happened?

An electrically powered gantry hoist failed whilst under load dropping cargo and lifting equipment to deck. The incident occurred during a lift of 500kg of palletised provisions onto the vessel. The failure resulted in the provisions falling onto the deck. The gantry hoist housing included a chain box containing approximately 10m of 10mm chain weighing approximately 19 kg which dropped 4m (12ft) onto the deck.

There were no injuries. However, there was potential for serious or fatal injury.

What were the causes? What went wrong?

The hoist motor / gearbox housing securing bolts failed due to excessive and previously unidentified internal corrosion.

What actions were taken?

• Review and improvement of:
  • Procurement process to emphasise the importance of ensuring that equipment is selected by a competent person, is suitable for its intended purpose and operating environment;
  • Mechanical lifting equipment procedure modified to further emphasise the importance of complying with the procurement process and the manufacture’s installation, use and maintenance requirements;
  • Enhanced arrangements for the management and control of equipment maintenance and inspection records and general record keeping

Members may wish to refer to

• IMCA SEL 019 Guidelines for lifting operations
• Two short “Are you prepared to work safely?” videos: Lifting operations, Lifting equipment
• Chain hoist failure resulting in a serious near miss
• Pallet Lifter Failure