Catastrophic Failure of Sling Set Master Link

Cause & Consequence

• Collapse, overturn or failure of lifting equipment

Incident Location

Any Location Type

Incident Activity

Lifting, crane, rigging, deck operations

Incident Info Source

sglatley@zadco.ae

Specific Incident Equipment

Master Link - 275mm x 150mm x 38mm dia 27.7t master link supplied as a component of a four leg wire rope sling set for a 35t load. This link was one of two submaster links in the assembly (ie. It had two wire sling thimbles through it). Markings are D38 (38mm dia) Grade 100, Manufacturer's marking (Weissenfels). Italy & WA marked on Link.

Lessons Identified

The importance of carrying out visual inspections on lifting and hoisting equipment.

Incident Recommendations

1) Immediate response has been to ban lifting with all master links until the failure cause has been determined and appropriate remedial action taken.2) It is recommended that all users of similar chain and sling sets using this type of master link should immediately check their inventory for any similar potential failures, particularly links from this manufacturer & model type markings.