Crane Accident

Effective Date: 6/20/1980

U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Notice No. 096

June 20, 1980

OCS Operations Safety Alert

Crane Accident

Two recent accidents occurred involving cranes. One accident happened while off-loading a bunkhouse from an offshore production platform. The second accident involved a rotary table being off-loaded from an offshore drilling rig. In both cases, the operator estimated the load to be lighter than the actual weight. Other contributing factors were the excessive boom angle of the cranes and broken weight indicators. These combined factors caused the cables to part and the loads to fall. There were no injuries to personnel.

To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the lessees are taking the following action:

1. Crane operators will be trained, experienced, and certified.

2. Weights of all loads will be known and weight indicators operational before use.

3. A monthly inspection of the cranes and preventive maintenance will also be emphasized.

[signed] D.W. Solanas

Deputy Conservation Manager

Offshore Operations Support

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region