Near-miss: Missing grating on platform in fuel tank
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 June 2006
- Generated on 9 December 2025
- IMCA SF 06/06
- 2 minute read
IMCA has received a report of a near-miss involving workers entering a cargo tank.
What happened?
Workers descending a ladder into the tank found that there was no grating platform at the foot of the ladder, leaving an unprotected drop to the bottom of the tank.
The grating platform was of a commonly used removable type with hinges, often used when the inspection access hatch is combined with the access for hoisting injured persons and/or for maintenance purposes or tank entry sampling. It had been left in a lifted or open position earlier to permit equipment or tools to be hoisted from the tank. No information concerning this had been passed to the workers descending into the tank.
No accident took place, but it could have led to be a very serious casualty had it not been discovered.
Our Member drew the following lessons:
- The hinged design, though convenient, may compromise safety, as it introduces a significant potential hazard for a tank entry team. A fatal accident has previously been reported where a similar platform was fitted
- When a hinged grating platform is installed:
- the risk that the platform is left in the open position should be taken into account in the procedures for tank safe entry and discussed at toolbox meetings prior to entering the tank
- cargo tank entry hatches should be fitted with warning signs
- The recommended checklist for safe entry of confined spaces should be modified to include:
- a check that the platform is in the correct position before descent
- a check that the platform locking pin has been refitted after the platform has been replaced
- The safe operation procedure for opening and closing of the platform should be included in the permanent means of access manual (PMA) for newly built vessels.
Tank entry and hinged grating platform
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.