High potential dropped objects from wind turbine Nacelle crane
- Safety Flash
- Published on 26 February 2020
- Generated on 15 June 2025
- IMCA SF 07/20
- 2 minute read
Two lifting bags detached and fell from the crane hook on a wind turbine tower
What happened?
The incident occurred during lowering operations at the end of an annual service day in the wind turbine nacelle. A contractor technician packed up tools and equipment and loaded them into certified lifting bags.
The bags were then loaded onto the nacelle crane hook for lowering to the transition piece. During the operation, two of the lifting bags became detached from the crane hook and fell approximately 60 metres into the sea.
Both of the bags were recovered from the sea; there were no injuries or property damage.
This is an historical event from 2016 which has been recently shared with IMCA for incident learning and sharing purposes.
What went wrong?
The safety latch on the lifting hook had suffered damage and failed.
The investigation noted that this potentially indicated that the hook was incorrectly loaded, which had resulted in excess pressure on the safety latch of the crane hook causing it to become defective.
What actions were taken?
- Ensure any planned lifting operations are verified to ensure safe loading techniques are employed.
- A toolbox talk (TBT) to be delivered to all service technicians as a reminder of the correct procedure for rigging the nacelle crane and dangers of incorrect loading.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 04/16
5 February 2016
-
IMCA SF 17/15
26 October 2015
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.