- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Pillar valve failure
A member has reported an incident in which a pillar valve from an emergency gas cylinder separated from the bottle while under pressure, rapidly releasing 50 cu ft of air to atmosphere and hitting a diver’s helmet. A trial run dive was planned in an anchorage prior to mobilisation to a job site. Dive checks were carried out as per standard procedures and the diver was cleared to enter the dive basket, ready for the water. As the diver turned upon entering the basket a loud bang was heard and there followed an escape of gas. The diver collapsed to the stage grating and suffered multiple contusions and a dental insult. He was evacuated to shore for further evaluation and treatment but made a full recovery.
It was discovered subsequently that the bottles had been sent by a subcontractor to a third party for hydrostatic testing. On their return the bottles were delivered to the dive support vessel. The bottles had been charged to full working pressure of 2800 psi and had held pressure for several days prior to the incident. Investigation revealed that the cylinder (Luxfur S50 brand) had an imperial thread and the pillar valve (MDE 232 bar) which failed had a metric thread. It is considered that the most likely cause of the incident is that the valves were mixed up at the third party testing agency after the hydrostatic test.
The following actions were taken:
- Subcontractor to initiate further investigation and auditing of the receiving, testing and dispatching process at the third party testing agency;
- Remove from circulation the cylinders from the recent hydrostatic test; test and condemn failed or damaged equipment;
- Ensure all cylinders and pillar valves held and in use at company sites are of the approved thread combination;
- Review acceptance criteria for third party hired equipment to ensure quality remains of the highest standard.
Safety Event
Published: 17 August 2009
Download: IMCA SF 12/09
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.