Deliberate failure to follow instructions: unsafe/quarantined tools brought back into use
- Safety Flash
- Published on 28 September 2020
- Generated on 1 January 2026
- IMCA SF 28/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
During a routine vessel inspection, crew were observed using a grinder with a selector switch as opposed to a paddle switch, which was contrary to procedures and communication from previous incidents and safety bulletins.
What were the causes? What went wrong?
- Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vessel had the approved (paddle switch) grinders on board, but they were seen as being too bulky for the job; the crew removed the old grinder (smaller size) from the quarantine box and put it back into use.
- On inspection of the quarantine box, it was noticed that there was no manner of securing the box in order to prevent someone from accessing quarantined equipment.
- Inadequate supervision, to ensure equipment designated inappropriate does not re-enter service – crew members deliberately used equipment that had been taken out of service.
Actions
- Devices in “quarantine” should be rendered temporarily unusable or put strictly under lock and key.
- A hazard hunt was carried out to ensure that selector switch grinders were no longer in use.
Related resources
Members may wish to refer to the following related safety flashes; they are at first appearance dissimilar to the above – but they are all as a result of deliberate failure to follow instructions or procedures. In one case a written warning followed.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 06/20
19 February 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 06/19
5 April 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 07/13
9 May 2013
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.