Pedestal Crane Boom Wire Rope Failure
Effective Date: 3/27/1984
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 124
March 27, 1984
Pedestal Crane Boom Wire Rope Failure
The following Safety Alert, dated January 6, 1984, received from Department of Energy, Petroleum Engineering Division, Thames House South, Millbank London, describes an undesirable situation which also could be applicable to Gulf of Mexico OCS operations:
"A recent failure occurred on a boom wire rope after only ten months service.
It had apparently been properly lubricated.
"Subsequent detailed examination of the failed rope discovered no metallurgical
defect and correct construction from satisfactory material in the correct
condition. However, there was evidence of some damage of a sharp cutting
nature which could be seen on individual strands. Because of the hardness of
the material it was considered that there were relatively few agents on the
installation which could have caused this type of damage. However, it was noted
that grit blasting had taken place on the installation over a period of about three
months prior to this incident. It would therefore, appear that some of the abrasive
grit may have contaminated the wire rope lubricant leading, in turn, to premature
failure.
"The above should be borne in mind during grit blasting operations and during
crane inspections. Particular attention should be given to wire ropes exhibiting
any broken individual strands. Obviously effective segregation of lifting gear and
grit blasting operations is important."
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Regional Supervisor
Rules and Production