Chain caught and broke
- Safety Flash
- Published on 24 July 2023
- Generated on 15 August 2025
- IMCA SF 18/23
- 2 minute read
Crew were removing a hydrogen gland from a generator using a lifting attachment, two chain falls, and an overhead crane.
What happened?
One of the chain fall’s pull chains caught on a bolt and broke. The bolt was on the top of the generator and was there to hold a protective cover sheet in place.
There were no injuries.
What went wrong?
- There was a general job briefing done for the day’s work, but not specifically for this task.
- The crew had started lifting the load with chain falls and were beginning to lift with the crane.
- There are two distinct lifts to be considered – the manual lift (with the chain fall) and the power lift (with the crane). The transition is the critical time.
- There are two distinct lifts to be considered – the manual lift (with the chain fall) and the power lift (with the crane). The transition is the critical time.
- Everyone was focused on the load and not watching the chain falls or the crane.
Actions
- A safety stand-down was held to discuss this incident with all involved and lessons from it were to be included in future training material for apprentices and new hires.
- Have an increased awareness of ensuring chains are free when moving loads.
- Keep the “bigger picture” in mind – don’t get so focused on the detail that something obviously potentially unsafe escapes your attention.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 10/20
17 March 2020
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IMCA SF 01/15
16 January 2015
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IMCA SF 07/10
10 November 2010
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