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Potential Dropped object from Container

What happened

Before backloading a container from rig to vessel, it was noted that there were two metal blocks in the top corner pockets of the container.

What went wrong

Findings: the blocks were loose metal blocks size of approximately 12 cm by 5 cm weighing between 1.6 and 2kg each.  The container had undergone two lifts coming to the rig and was just about to be lifted off the rig when the blocks were noticed whilst carrying out pre-load out checks.  The blocks were found to be stacking guides used in the yard when stacking containers.

Before

There was potential for serious injury had the blocks had become dislodged during a lift, and also potential for severe injury to personnel in surrounding vehicles and/or pedestrians if the blocks had become dislodged and fallen during transit on the public highway from the yard to the quayside.

After

Lessons learned

  • Stacking pins now painted in contrasting visible colour for easy identification;
  • Additional spot checks and verification checks on all containers before load-out;
  • Use twistlocks such as that illustrated here:

Members may wish to review:

Safety Event

Published: 27 April 2021
Download: IMCA SF 12/21

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