Fall protection deficiencies encountered

1. Safety Alert No. 12 July 98 Committed to Safety Correct use of anti-fall devices Background A fatal incident occurred recently on a PDO Rig while removing the Bell Nipple Assembly (BNA) from the top of the Blowout Preventer (BOP) stack. Three men, at ground level, were pulling on a rope attached to the BNA base, the airwinch was worked up and down. During the operation, the bell nipple became stuck. A Floorman was sent to guide the BNA. During the attempts to pull the BNA sideways off the top of the BOP, the bell nipple came free, slid off the top of the annular and dropped approximately 60 cm. In the process, the Floorman was struck by the drip tray of the bell nipple, causing fatal internal injuries. He then dropped a distance of 4,4 m before his fall was arrested by his safety line (Lanyard). • Fall protection deficiencies encountered • Although the fall was not a determinant factor in this tragic incident, the investigation revealed the following • deficiencies in the Lanyard arrangement: •  A fall arrestor (energy absorber) was available but it was not used. Instead, the Floorman was • using a 3m long steel Lanyard attached to his full body harness. •  The other extremity of the Lanyard was attached at the level of his feet position, effectively • increasing the length of the line to 4.4 m. • Learning Points and Action to Prevent Recurrence •  Prior to starting any work at heights, a full risk assessment of the activities is required in order to confirm that safety equipment is used in accordance with potential hazards. Reference to the HSE Standards Manual (Chapt 4, Section 2.5) has to be made. •  Safety harnesses and Lanyard shall be provided, worn and properly secured in all work situations where any potential falling from a height is greater than 2 m. •  The Lanyard has to be securely fixed at a point equal to or preferable at a level above head • height, while in the working position. •  fall arrestor shall be used, wherever possible, in preference to a simple Lanyard. •  The length L of a fixed or adjustable Lanyard including energy absorber, if applicable, and terminations, e.g. connectors or eyes, shall not exceed 2.0 m (BS EN 354: 1993) •  Full body harnesses, fall arrestor systems and personal protective equipment against falls from a height (Lanyards) shall be manufactured and inspected in accordance to BS EN 361:1993, BS EN: 363 and BS EN 354: 1993 respectively.