Failure of A-frame fold-down platform
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 March 2026
- Generated on 17 March 2026
- IMCA SF 05/26
- 2 minute read
An A-frame fold-down platform failed leaving a crew member suspended by their safety harness.
What happened?
The incident occurred while the vessel was alongside for mobilisation. During load checks of the sheave block, a crew member stepped out onto the aft side A-frame platform, which had a hinged centre platform. As they did so, the hinged centre platform gave way and fell to the sheltered deck (approximately 12 metres below). The crew member was left suspended by their safety harness. Operations were immediately stopped, and the person was quickly recovered and sent to hospital for a complete medical examination. They suffered minor bruising and abrasion.
What was the cause?
It was observed by the investigation team that all parts of the platform hinges parts remained undamaged except the cotter pins which were missing. The conclusion drawn was that the only way the platform could have had fallen was because the foldable platform slid off the hinge pins (cotter pins to keep hinge pins in position were missing) when the crew member stepped on the platform.
What were the lessons?
- Design flaws in the hinge flaws caused the cotter pin to be unintentionally loaded.
- The cotter pins once put in position were never split to prevent them from dropping.
- There was galvanic corrosion between the lug, hollow pipe, and hinge pin. Exposure of the A-frame to weather and saltwater likely accelerated the corrosion process.
- The foldable platform was added for a specific project without following a formal Management of Change (MoC) process. As a result:
- Design drawings were not updated.
- Scheduled maintenance was not established.
- The platform itself was not included in inspection scopes. This lack of maintenance prevented the early identification of associated hazards.
Members may wish to refer to:
ยท IMCA HSS 001 Guidelines for management of change
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