Multiple fatality during pipe lay operations

Cause & Consequence

• Collapse, overturn or failure of lifting equipment

Incident Location

Support vessel eg Supply, Standby

Incident Activity

Construction, hook-up, commissioning

Incident Info Source

Saipem QHSE Department - HSE Reporting

Specific Incident Equipment

Saipem 7000 J-Lay Tower and associated equipment.

Lessons Identified

The sudden release of the quadruple joints was caused by a failure in conceptual design of the control system software. The programme relevant to the JLT initialising instruction was pre-loaded in the EPROM memory of the PLC4 with the instructions to open all clamps.The unnecessary presence and uncontrolled access of working personnelonto the access platform destroyed by the falling pipe have exposed the injured people to suspend load hazard and to this catastrophic event.

Incident Recommendations

As per the Saipem Safety Bulletin