High potential near-miss: Failure in safety gate
Step Change in Safety has published the following safety alert regarding a near miss incident in which there was a potentially very serious failure of a safety gate at height. During a routine inspection, whilst stepping from a ladder onto a gantry, the crewman performing the inspection discovered that the safety gate bar was adrift from its hinge bracket. The crewman narrowly avoided a fall. He replaced the gate bar and immediately reported the event. There were no injuries.
Investigation revealed that a retaining plate and bolt were missing due to the bolt working its way loose. The bar was repaired immediately. Ongoing checks of all such safety gates took place to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely. In the long term, a review was arranged of the maintenance strategy of the safety gates.
The full report can be found at stepchangeinsafety.net/safer-conversations/safety-alerts/near-miss-high-potential-failure-safety-gate-bar.
Members may wish to refer to the following incidents (search words: gate, failure):
Safety Event
Published: 29 November 2016
Download: 
IMCA SF 34/16
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 safetyreports@imca-int.com 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.