Defective hammer shaft
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 July 2003
- Generated on 25 February 2026
- IMCA SF 07/03
- 1 minute read
To support a new client policy, a company was changing over to the use of fibreglass shafts for all hammers over 2lbs.
What happened?
One of the first to be sent offshore was a 14lb hammer. Within a short period of use, the shaft showed signs of cracking just behind the head of the hammer. Use was stopped and the defect reported.
After discussion with the supplier and the client, all fibreglass handled hammers were withdrawn and the company involved has reverted to wooden shafts.
The company involved has restated the importance of taking care in the selection of tools, noting that the latest technology may not be necessarily better than tried-and-tested equipment. It reminds personnel that good pre-use inspection remains a critical requirement not to be ignored or bypassed.
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.