Skip to content

Failure of fall arresters

A member has reported several incidents onboard vessels where fall arresters have been found to be defective. Although the incidents have not resulted in any injuries to personnel they may have had very serious consequences.

It is believed that the failure of the equipment was lack of inspection and/or maintenance. It is of utmost importance that appropriate maintenance and inspection of fall arrest equipment is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Members are recommended to remind vessel crews to go through the inspection and maintenance regime to ensure fall arrest equipment is maintained to a safe standard.

Below are pictures from one of the failed equipment:

Safety Event

Published: 22 September 2008
Download: IMCA SF 14/08

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.