IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents. In this case, IMCA focuses on inappropriate use of pneumatic line thrower for mooring line.
The incident
During mooring operations crew on a vessel used a pneumatic line thrower (PLT) to throw a mooring line. In fact, several attempts were made, of which one was successful.
Two of the “bullets” disappeared and a window was broken at a warehouse building, approximately 100 meters from the vessel.
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Probable causes
- There was no toolbox talk before the mooring operation;
- There was a change of plan during the mooring operation: it proved impossible to get a heaving line to the quayside and so a PLT was used, which was not a part of mooring equipment;
- The PLT was not used according to manufacturers instructions or recommendations;
- The use of the PLT was not covered in the existing risk assessment for mooring operations;
- There was inadequate communication with the mooring team onshore;
- No-one stopped the job; no-one thought through or assessed the potential risks of using the PLT.
Lessons learned
- Pneumatic line throwers ought not be used during mooring operation alongside quay, due to the increased risk to people and property;
- Develop a solution to get a heaving line ashore from vessels with a covered forecastle, without using a PLT;
- Ensure changed plans are managed using a Management of Change process; ensure appropriate risk assessment and toolbox talks are carried out before mooring operation;
- Reiterate duty to stop the job and intervene if unsafe work is taking place.
See also
Lessons learned: Crane whip line parted amid hook stop testing
Lessons learned: Failure of emergency stop on rescue boat winch
