Crate Lid Dislodged Overboard During Heli Ops

Description of Incident

During helicopter operations on a UKCS drilling rig, a 3mx3m wooden crate lid weighing approximately 40kg, dislodged from a hose transport crate and blew overboard. While no personnel were in the area, the event highlights the risks associated with storage near helidecks.

Key Learnings:

• Securing Mechanisms Matter: Factory-installed plastic banding and screws, originally intended for transport, can degrade over time due to environmental exposure, making them inadequate to withstand wind and helicopter downdrafts.

• Environmental Forces: Weather, wind and rotor downwash amplify the risk of unsecured items becoming Foreign Object Debris.

• Storage and Security: Evaluate storage areas near the helideck for suitability, ensuring they are used only for essential items. Relocate non-essentials elsewhere and secure any necessary items with approved mechanisms to withstand environmental stresses.

• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine checks of these securing systems, to identify and address potential risks.

• Increase Awareness: Identify hidden Foreign Object Debris risks by raising awareness about items or equipment that might not typically be recognized as a potential hazard.

Discuss:

What Process do you have in place to ensure all items around your helideck are properly inspected and secured to withstand environmental and operational forces?