Crane incident
A serious incident occurred on a fixed installation while dismantling a Unit – Mariner 3600 portable crane. Three people were seriously injured and a fourth was lost overboard and did not survive.
The boom and gantry had been removed from the crane. Workers were preparing the power module section of the crane for removal after the platform crane had secured this section. The power module sits on a turntable atop a pedestal 28 feet above the deck. This portion houses the motor, hydraulics, and controls for the crane. The power module fell when four of its hold-down pins were removed before it was secured by connecting slings to the line on the platform crane. The team investigating the incident has determined that other crane models may have sections that will remain in place by the force of gravity when the pins are removed, giving a false sense of security.
The company concerned has proposed the following actions:
- During dismantling all sections of the equipment should be secured prior to removing pins.
- The work should be properly planned and personnel familiar with the equipment should be used.
Safety Event
Published: 1 September 1998
Download: 
IMCA SF 04/98
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