Dropped Pennant

Cause & Consequence

• Moving, flying or falling object

Incident Location

Any Location Type

Incident Activity

Lifting, crane, rigging, deck operations

Incident Info Source

John Vingoe - Workfox UK limited.

Specific Incident Equipment

Offshore Crane, Lifting Equipment etc, offshore cargo handling

Lessons Identified

At the Master's request the hook arrangement was examined by the Crane Operator. After further investigation by the Crane Operator and the unit OIM it was concluded that the recently shortened ball to hook connection had allowed the unguarded hook release lever to be activated. After receiving a number of SAF card complaintsa few months earlier, a lengh of spacing chain had been removed, at the clients request. Removal of the chain appears to have had the effect of making a highly unlikely event more probable.

Incident Recommendations

a) The whipline pennant is not fitted directly to the ball as it is often removed for some operations. All relevant crew members have been reminded to remain vigilant ar all times since an undesired accidental release of the pennant can in this case only occur with an unloaded hook.

b) The probability of a similar incident is still considered extremely low yet still possible since the arrangement has not been changed since the incident. Therefore a wire safety sling (400kg) has been installed between the whipline ball and hook on both cranes for additional safety.

c) Checking safety hooks before each lift.

d) Investigate the market place for a safety hook which has a recessed release catch.

e) Consult with crane experts about the design of whipline headache balls.