Pinch points on winches – hand safety
A member has identified a potentially serious hazard on a tugger winch, temporarily installed on a vessel deck, wherein a hand could be ‘drawn in’ between the winch drum cheek plate and the winch base.
The operator for such a winch would typically stand with his right hand on the control lever. It is possible that an operator (or colleague standing nearby) could put his left hand on the winch base, for example to brace against vessel movement. If the winch was pulling in at the same time a hand could be drawn into the gap between the bolts and the base.
These winches or similar models are in widespread use and not all of them have adequate guards. It is recommended that winches with unguarded pinch-point hazards are identified and appropriate actions taken as an immediate measure:
- Hazard warning signs should be applied to the winches;
- Personnel operating or working in the vicinity of the winches should be briefed about the potential hazard.
An example of an appropriate guard that could be fitted to such a winch is shown below:
Safety Event
Published: 31 October 2007
Download: 
IMCA SF 09/07
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.