Failure of personal isolation procedures: crane damaged when it was used inappropriately

Description of Incident

On a vessel in dry dock, a crane, which had been isolated for many days for work to be conducted by a third party, was used by crew unaware that the crane was out of use for maintenance. The crane was damaged as a result, leading to increased maintenance time and cost.

A “personal” isolation of the crane had been removed to allow a third party to function test the crane. A leak was found on the hydraulic system and work was being conducted to repair the issue. However, crew members not involved in the maintenance of the crane had a task to do which needed a crane, and they decided to try and operate the crane, resulting in damage.

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