Poor condition of lifting strops

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 23 December 2011
  • Generated on 13 June 2026
  • IMCA SF 14/11
  • 1 minute read

The MSF has published Safety Flash 11-39 regarding lifting strops found in poor condition. 

Recent audits/inspections have highlighted deficiencies with regards the state of lifting strops which were found to be in a severely deteriorated condition, unfit for purpose and still in service onboard.

The complete safety flash is now available on request from the Marine Safety Forum. 

Members are also referred to Guidelines for lifting operations.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Arm injury – need for focus on safe isolation and task control

A worker sustained an arm injury while troubleshooting a malfunctioning garbage compactor.

Read more
Floodlamp causes scaffold board to start smouldering

Workers on the accommodation deck noticed light smoke emanating from a nearby scaffold structure.

Read more
Lamp fixture fire in office cabin

A fire broke out in a ceiling lamp fitting in a cabin on a vessel.

Read more
BSEE: Prevent fires by inspecting cords, plugs and welding leads before use

The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Alert 515.

Read more
More positive stories

Some more stories of good things happening – what went right.

Read more

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.