Lifting Operation LTI
LOCATION:
AGGREGATE DREDGER
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
DATE ISSUED:
04/07/2017 10:32:47
TITLE
Lifting Operation LTI
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
The dredge pipe and pump had become blocked during dredging. The ship was brought into dock and contractors were called in to unblock the pipe and pump. This began on a Saturday morning.
Final reassembly of the pump was being conducted. This involved using a crane on the shore to lift the pump cover back into place. The pump cover is 1.5m in diameter and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The cover must be closely guided back into position - hence the two contractors were in close proximity. A banksman was guiding the crane. Location of the cover onto the spigot was at an upward angle, due to the trim of the vessel.
Whilst attempting to fit the cover, it came off the spigot and moved unexpectedly, swinging and striking the two contractors. The cover did not drop. Both contractors were taken to hospital. One was released that evening with minor injuries and the other sustained fractured ribs and was kept in overnight (LTI).
- Risk assessments and Permits to Work were in place.
- The 2nd Engineer went to the job location with the contractor, prior to the work starting, and discussed risks, control measures and in particular the pipe blockage & impact on the lifting operation.
- Equipment was fully locked-out.
- Contractor is experienced, PICS / Avetta registered and well aware of our Safety-First culture.
- A similar incident occurred 5 years ago on a sister ship, in which a contractor suffered broken bones in his hand.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
How Could This Incident Have Been Avoided?
- The cover had swung earlier in the operation. Failure to STOP & THINK. Contractors were close to completing the job and wanted to get it done.
- The contractor asked the 2nd Officer to move the ship’s unloader, altering the ship trim (angle). He was unaware this could affect the job.
- Crane positioning could have been closer on the quay.
- Fine positioning is not easy using just the crane controls. A chain block should have been used to allow local control.
- Preventer studs on the pump door would allow for initial alignment to be achieved without having people in such close proximity.
Key Review Points
- Are chain blocks being used, where required, to provide close control of lifting operations?
- Are we (and our contractors) fully capturing lessons learnt from previous incidents within our procedures & safe systems of work?
- Do pre-job checklists ensure we are considering how external factors such as vessel trim and tidal waters can affect the job?
- When we ask contractors for a completion time of their job, do we always reiterate the need to put safety first and not rush?
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
LOCATION:
AGGREGATE DREDGER
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
DATE ISSUED:
04/07/2017 10:32:47
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