Use of portable electrical deck equipment
- Safety Flash
- Published on 25 June 2013
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 10/13
- 2 minute read
A Member has highlighted some recent examples of portable electrical deck equipment being used with incorrect plugs and sockets.
What happened?
This safety flash serves to bring to members’ attention the issue of plugs and sockets for electrical equipment used in the outdoor marine environment.
During ‘routine’ portable appliance testing, it was found that plugs and sockets on portable electrical equipment used in the deck environment had an IP44 ingress and integrity rating, which is not sufficient for use on the back deck or an open deck marine environment. Also, it was found that 9″ grinders with a rating of 2000W and 19A had their 32A plugs removed and 16A plugs fitted instead, with subsequent potential for overheating, burns or electric shock.
110v/2000W/19A 9″ grinder with 32amp IP67 plug and the IP44 16amp plug removed
Actions
The following actions were recommended:
- Socket outlets, appliance inlets and portable equipment operated in an open marine environment should have a minimum IP rating of IP56; alternatively the socket should be located inside an enclosure with a minimum ingress integrity rating of IP56.
- Regular checks should be made of hand tools and extension leads, to ensure portable equipment and extension leads to be used on the back deck are fitted with suitable IP 56 plugs and sockets, (IEC plugs and sockets are usually rated IP44 or IP67; the more robust IP67 ones should be used).
- Incorrect equipment should either be removed from use and fitted with the correctly rated plugs/sockets, or substituted with equipment that is correctly rated (i.e. the appliance in use may have been taken from a workshop to be used on the open deck, the IP rating is adequate for indoors, but not outdoors).
- Ensure personnel are fully aware and informed with regard to the appliance voltage and load rating current, size and type of plug fitted, condition of flex/cable, and same for any extension leads, including plug and socket and the fixed socket outlet.
- Ensure that personnel always check and inspect equipment before use, to ensure the equipment is fit for use and purpose. All deficient equipment should be removed from use and either repaired or disposed of.
- Check and ensure that deck power sockets and circuits are fitted with correctly rated plugs and sockets, or swap/replace appliances with equipment that is fit for purpose.
Members may wish to refer to IMCA’s handy pocket card on Electrical hazards.
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.