Unsafe actions and conditions – Inhibited alarm buttons
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 May 2019
- Generated on 30 March 2026
- IMCA SF 09/19
- 1 minute read
On a vessel safety walk-round, an unsafe condition was found whereby alarm push buttons for acknowledgement / mute were kept pressed using toothpicks and scotch tape.
What happened?
While these were not fire alarms, the principle is the same and for this reason, this incident has been included in a safety flash covering fire-related incidents.
Visual alarms, buzzers and sirens are installed and available for a reason. Timely attendance to alarms is vital to protect personnel, equipment and the vessel against major failures and incidents.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 32/16
29 November 2016
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.