Stored pressure release near-miss: Small part expelled from hydraulic winch
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 July 2016
- Generated on 23 July 2026
- IMCA SF 18/16
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported an incident in which a part was expelled from a hydraulic system under pressure, causing a leak of hydraulic oil.
What happened?
The incident occurred when the hydraulics were activated to turn the winch drum to install a new wire rope. There was a loud bang from the hydraulic pack as a sensor was forced out of the unit. The sensor hit the bulkhead to the right. Approximately 2 litres of hydraulic oil was also expelled from the winch onto the deck and bulkhead.
Our member’s findings were as follows:
- Company safe system of work had not been followed – there had been no permission or sanction to test this equipment.
- The hydraulic system had not been commissioned properly. The hydraulic hoses had been fitted the wrong way around.
- The handover between technicians following crew change had not identified these issues.
Our member's recommendations were:
- Improve communication between crews at handover especially at crew change.
- Formal ‘sanction to test’ should be completed before it is handed over to the responsible person in charge.
- Suitable and sufficient risk assessment and pre-use check list to be created and used for this work and equipment.
- Status and condition of equipment should be clearly defined before planned maintenance is carried out.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 22/15
15 December 2015
-
IMCA SF 22/15
15 December 2015
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.