Floodlight dropped to deck – corrosion
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 May 2021
- Generated on 7 April 2026
- IMCA SF 14/21
- 2 minute read
A floodlight weighing about 6 kg was found on the deck, near to the scaffolding storage area, underneath the main crane boom rest.
What happened?
The floodlight affixed to the main crane boom rest dislodged from its frame and dropped to deck, a distance of 4.5 m.
The electrical supply to the floodlight fitting was immediately isolated.
At the time of the incident there were no personnel in the area.
Dropped floodlight
Floodlight mounting frame
What went wrong?
- Hidden corrosion: The floodlight mounting frame which remained affixed to the main crane boom rest, showed excessive wear and tear, and had completely corroded, leading to the floodlight detaching from its mounting frame.
- There was no secondary retention.
- The floodlight had not been identified as a potential dropped object.
- The advanced deterioration of the mounting frame was obscured by the paint work.
- Environmental conditions including vibration, humidity, wind loading, and sea salt corrosion may have impacted the mounting frame materials.
Actions
- Think carefully about what could become a dropped object – perform dropped object surveys.
- Consider cross-departmental “hazard hunts” for drop hazards – get some “fresh eyes” in to spot what you may have missed.
- Ensure that everyone knows who is responsible for doing dropped object inspections.
- Make use of secondary retention where appropriate.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 16/20
22 May 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 02/19
13 February 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 04/18
20 February 2018
-
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.