Safety Alert: First Aid Case - Line of Fire During Lasso Retrieval PDF

Safety Alert Number: 24-03 Published: 18/04/2024 Subject: First Aid Case – Line of Fire During Lasso Retrieval What Happened / Narrative During pre-lay anchor operations to retrieve a ‘lasso’, it was initially decided to manually recover and re-site the UHMWPE...

Safety Alert Number: 24-03 Published: 18/04/2024 Subject: First Aid Case – Line of Fire During Lasso Retrieval What Happened / Narrative During pre-lay anchor operations to retrieve a ‘lasso’, it was initially decided to manually recover and re-site the UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polythene) fibre rope used for buoy recovery, designed in manner that should it snap under tension the energy dissipates quickly, preventing whip lash, on the vessel’s stopper pins. The plan was changed to utilise the tugger for retrieval. Although the task changed from Manual Handling to Lifting and Hoisting, the work party remained in their original positions. During tugger operations, the fibre rope, which had been re-sited around the stopper pins, came under tension resulting in the starboard side coming free of the stopper pin, travel in an upwards and port direction, passing over the head of the IP, before landing on the deck and traveling back in the direction of origin. The fibre rope contacted the IP’s leg, causing him to fall and land on his arm. IP sustained minor injuries. The chain section within the lasso landed in close proximity to the IP. Why Did it Happen / Cause The operation moved from a Manual Handling Task to a Lifting and Hoisting Operation without a sufficient risk assessment. As a result of an insufficient risk assessment, the work party remained in their original positions. Work Activity was being monitored by a supervisor who did not stop the job after the plan changed. Corrective Actions Taken / Recommendations Procedures updated to ensure vessel stopper pins are retracted during lasso retrieval tasks. Risk Assessment enhanced to include line of fire potential during lasso retrieval tasks. Photographs / Supporting Information The information contained within this Safety Alert and the associated MSF web site is provided in good faith for the benefit of our members and does not constitute and is not intended to constitute professional advice or any form of formal representation on behalf of any MSF member or officer. The text as provided by submitting organisations may be amended to ensure that it is brief, informative and readable but will as far as reasonably practicable remain as per the intent of the original submission. For the avoidance of doubt, no liability whatsoever shall be attached to any guidance, recommendation or statement contained therein. Contents should be reviewed individually by recipients who will determine relevance to their own operations. Page 1 of 1