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MSF: Potential dropped object

The Marine Safety Forum has published Safety Alert 21-08 relating to a potential dropped object which was found during lifting operations between a vessel and a platform.

What Happened

A metal plate of size 25 x 17 x 6cm, weighing 1.6kg, was found inside a forklift pocket hole on a 10′ container when the container was landed onto a platform from a vessel.  The MSF noted that the size and weight of the plate meant that this potential dropped object could have been life-threatening had it hit someone.

What went wrong?

The MSF noted that “one of the possible reasons that this particular plate may have been washed from its position within the main deck could have been that it was quite badly buckled or bent.  This could have enabled water breaking onto the vessel’s main deck, to work beneath the plate to lift it.”

What are the actions?

Check pin post/lifting point plates, to ensure:

  • that they are not buckled;
  • that they fit correctly;
  • that they can be secured appropriately.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 16 June 2021
Download: IMCA SF 17/21

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
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