Load chain failure owing to corrosion
- Safety Flash
- Published on 10 August 2016
- Generated on 27 April 2026
- IMCA SF 21/16
- 1 minute read
UK Step Change in Safety has published a bulletin regarding two incidents in which there were failures of load chains owing to corrosion.
What happened?
These occurred during the installation operations of primary steel under deck. The load chain failures occurred on 10 tonne chain hoists within a 10-day period. These chain hoists had been used during installation of the primary steel sections and on completion of the lifting part of the operation 4 x 12 tonne turnbuckles were attached to each section as fixed rigging.
Upon discovery of the chain failures the offshore team stopped the job, made the work site safe and reported the failures to the respective supervisor immediately. The 12Te turnbuckles remained secure at all time through the operation. Extensive investigation attributed the failures to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) due to hydrogen embrittlement.
Further information can be found at Step Change in Safety | Load Chain Failure
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.