- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Join the global DP Community at the IMCA DP Conference in Amsterdam. 21 and 22 May. Book now
- Register your interest for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Hand injury in medical airlock
What happened
An LST (Life Support Technician) suffered a finger injury whilst operating the medical airlock (“Med-lock”) on a dive chamber. The LST (Life Support Technician) was closing the Med-lock door but was unable to rotate the door to the fully closed position, indicating that the hatch needed to rotate further clockwise. The LST attempted to rotate the hatch counterclockwise in order to be able to open the door and inspect it. The Med-lock was stiff to rotate. For leverage to assist with rotating the Med-lock, the LST placed his hand on the flat bars that brace the operating wheel. The hatch moved suddenly and because his hands were on the brace and not on the wheel itself, his hand got pinched between the brace and the Med-lock door hinge plate, causing an injury.
What went wrong
The hatch was stiff, and the LST had his fingers in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Lessons learnt
- Maintain proper lubrication on the door. Added Med-lock maintenance to planned maintenance programme;
- Added warning signage to the Med-Lock, for appropriate hand placement, along with clear instructions;
- Updated the vessel familiarization to include Med-lock operations and demonstrate operations.
Members may wish to refer to
Safety Event
Published: 24 May 2023
Download: 
IMCA SF 13/23
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.