Termination of elastic shock cords

We have recently learnt of a near miss where an ROV supervisor used an elasticated shock cord (bungee cord) to secure a television monitor in place. The cord was terminated with a hook-type device but the cord itself was looped back on itself and clamped with a clip.

When the cord was stretched to the second firing point, the clip failed to hold, resulting in it pulling through the hook and spinning out violently, narrowly missing the supervisor’s face.

The company involved has undertaken the following actions:

replace, wherever practical, all bungee cords
if bungee cords are the only practical solution, ensure that a figure of eight knot is tied in the cord to prevent it being pulled through the hook end termination unit.

Safety Event

Published: 1 September 2000
Download: IMCA SF 05/00

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