IMCA Safety Alerts Dropped Objects February 2018

A recent IMCA alert focused on a number of dropped object incidents, disappointingly with a recurring theme and including:

• Potential dropped object left on top of cargo – two pieces of unsecured timber 
• Numerous instances of potential dropped objects being found on containers and equipment being loaded from port to offshore facilities. Primary cause was poor housekeeping and failing to conduct proper inspections
• HIPO - 19kg Spark Arrestor fell 16m from vessel’s funnel stack to deck. Installed only days before, it became loose due to exhaust pressure, vibration and poor securing
• HIPO – Satellite Dome fell 17m from mast to deck. Corrosion was found inside (not visible from outside)
• Another Satellite Dome item fell and landed above wheelhouse. Galvanic corrosion in bolts was a contributing factor, ie mild carbon steel bolts with stainless steel nuts.