Damage to main hoist rope on Liebheur 1080/1 crane

We have recently received the following report. During the lifting of a 15te separator vessel at an onshore gas terminal, the crane operator noticed that damage had occurred to the main hoist rope on the crane, resulting in the failure of a number of hoist rope (wire) strands. The vessel was immediately lowered to the ground and an investigation initiated.

On examination of the crane hoist block, it became evident that the main hose rope had been incorrectly ‘reeved’ just prior to the lifting operation, causing the hoist rope to be on the outside on one of the (horizontal) guide pins on the hoist block. As the main hoist rope took the weight of the vessel, the main hoist rope rubbed against the guide pin, causing a partial failure to the main hoist rope and minor damage to the guide pin.

The company found, following investigation:

1. changing the crane hoist uses a routine task – failure was due to complacency and familiarity;
2. there was no formal checklist to confirm adequacy of ‘reeving’ to main hoist rope/block

The company has initiated the following:

1. issue of a safety flash across all industry sectors to raise awareness of near miss;
2. simple checklist to be developed to ensure ‘reeving’ and other routine alterations to cranes are checked for adequacy prior to use.