Safety Alert by the West of England P&I Club
The West of England P&I Club has recently issued a Safety Alert including guidance on the dangers of mooring and towing lines parting whilst under tension.
All mooring lines under tension will stretch, particularly those made from synthetic material. Should the line break, stored energy will be released as it reverts to its original length. The two ends of the line will recoil or “snap-back” towards and past the points to which they are secured. Anyone standing within the snap-back zone at either end of the line risks serious injury or death.
Of the most commonly used types of synthetic mooring line, polymide (nylon) rope will stretch the most prior to breaking. Polypropylene and polyester ropes will also elongate significantly, but in general the amount they will stretch before breaking is only two thirds that of polymide. The degree of elongation of any rope type is likely to be greatest when it is new.
When a synthetic mooring line breaks, the snap-back effect can be extremely powerful and the rope ends may reach a velocity of up to 800 km/h (500 mph) as they recoil.
For further details, please click at Snap- Back Zones Safety Alert issued by the West of England P&I Club
Source: The West of England P&I Club
