The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the

purposes of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any

guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

- 1 -

Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-32

Issued: 17th July 2013 Subject: Failure of Weathertight Door Holdback Arrangement Whilst stowing some stanchions into a locker, an Able Seaman was injured when the door hold back arrangement failed. The Seaman sustained an impact injury on his right calf. Luckily for the Seaman involved, he entered the store sideways and sustained the impact on his calf muscle. On receiving the impact, the Seaman shouted to his watch mate who immediately proceeded to help him. The Bridge was notified and first aid administered. Radio medical advice was sought, an ice pack applied and the IP monitored. The ice pack helped to reduce the swelling and the injured Seaman was able to put weight and walk unaided. Once the vessel returned to port, the injured Seaman attended a doctor who confirmed there were no broken bones. The injured Seaman was prescribed painkillers and resumed normal duties during his next watch.

Causes

1. The door holdback arrangement indicated signs of wear & tear and was not an adequate means to secure the door.

2. Weather conditions during the time of the incident were choppy and the vessel’s movement caused the securing hook to unlock. This was confirmed during the investigation when a sharp impact on the door caused the hook to come undone.

3. The inadequate holdback securing arrangement was not noticed as this store is normally only accessed when the vessel is in port.

Actions taken and/or planned

1. A more robust arrangement was fabricated and fitted. 2. All other door and hatch hold backs were inspected on the vessel. 3. Learning shared with fleet and wider industry.

Position of IP’s right

leg when the door

swung and impacted

on his calf muscle

Arrangement is bent.

Inadequate curvature

of hook & does not

fit correctly into the

securing eye

The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the

purposes of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any

guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

- 2 -

Additional comments The injured Seaman was extremely lucky not to sustain a more serious injury. In the majority of instances such an impact would have resulted in a broken bone. The Company concerned instructed their vessels to;

1. Inspect onboard door and hatch securing arrangements. 2. All inadequate and unsuitable arrangements are to be modified and changed to a more

robust arrangement. 3. All personnel are reminded to report any defects as soon as possible. 4. The energy associated with a swinging door or falling hatch can be considerable. Securing

arrangements will deteriorate over a period of time and all such arrangements must be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Such checks must be part of the Safety Officers inspections.

5. Review safe access on board, in particular when entering/exiting lockers and hatchways.

New arrangement

fabricated and fitted