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Press Release
OVERCOMING CHAIN LEVER HOIST FAILURES
A history of failures in the use of chain lever hoists, both underwater and topside, has prompted IMCA - The International Marine Contractors Association - to make a critical examination into their causes and to establish industry guidance on the safe application for use of the hoists. This has led to the publication of The use of chain lever hoists in the offshore sub-sea environment (IMCA D 028) designed to aid IMCA members, and the industry at large, in safe management of their operations involving chain lever hoists.
"Chain lever hoists are used extensively in underwater construction. Their design characteristics allow ease of transportation to site and minimum set-up," explains IMCA's Technical Director, Jane Bugler. "Unlike the cumbersome chain hoist, the lever hoist may very usefully be used in any operating position. However, there have been failures in their use - the offshore environment can be particularly harsh, with its combination of temperature extremes, wind blown dust or grit atmosphere, silt, washing out of lubricants, and general corrosion from seawater. We wanted to help our members understand more about the reasons behind these failures and help them use this invaluable tool safely."
The ten-page guidance covers the selection of equipment including environmental and operational factors, equipment specification, equipment storage and control and cleaning and maintenance. There's also a useful checklist for a thorough examination of a chain lever hoist.
Copies of the newly published guidance, costing £5 for members and £10 for non-members, are available from IMCA.
Notes to Editors (common)
- IMCA is an international association with well over 850 members in 60 countries, as at September 2011, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Asia-Pacific, South America, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India and Central & North America regions. As well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
- IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
- Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.
Press releases issued by:
Judith Patten at JPPR
34 Ellerker Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6AA, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8241 1912
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8940 6211
judithpatten@jppr.uk.com
For more details, please contact Hugh Williams, IMCA Chief Executive
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