Sudden disconnection of pressurised hose
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 December 2024
- Generated on 13 October 2026
- IMCA SF 24/24
- 2 minute read
A contractor was performing maintenance on the bulk cargo methanol system on deck of a vessel.
What happened?
Residual water was being pumped out from a cofferdam when a pressurized hose suddenly disconnected. The system pressure was approximately 5.9-6 bar, creating a potential risk of injury to personnel. Fortunately, no one was in the line of fire, and no contact was made. There were no injuries or property damage from this incident.
What went wrong?
- There was no secondary securing system – no whip check arrestor – installed, even though this was specified in the task risk assessment.
- No-one checked the equipment before starting the job.
- No-one stopped the job.
- The hose end coupling itself appeared as worn out, and this was unnoticed.
- There were no whip arrestors and hose tail couplings available, neither on the vessel or with the contractor doing the work.
Disconnected hose
end connection
Showing pump
Lessons to learn
· Ensure there is sufficient equipment and spares on board to do a safe job – the lack of even a very small part can lead to something being unsafe.
· Ensure pressurised hose connectors have secondary securing – whip arrestors.
· Check your equipment before you start work – it only takes a few seconds. Check the condition of hose end couplings on pressurized equipment, and identify any wear or damage that could compromise their integrity during usage.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 04/23
9 February 2023
-
IMCA SF 20/17
11 August 2017
-
IMCA SF 22/22
3 October 2022
-
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.