Failure of fall arresters
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 September 2008
- Generated on 14 February 2026
- IMCA SF 14/08
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported several incidents onboard vessels where fall arresters have been found to be defective.
What happened?
Although the incidents have not resulted in any injuries to personnel they may have had very serious consequences.
It is believed that the failure of the equipment was lack of inspection and/or maintenance. It is of utmost importance that appropriate maintenance and inspection of fall arrest equipment is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Members are recommended to remind vessel crews to go through the inspection and maintenance regime to ensure fall arrest equipment is maintained to a safe standard.
Below are pictures from one of the failed equipment:
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