HSE Alert - Catastrophic Failure of Marine Loading Arm (MLA)

HSE has issued a safety alert after an HSE investigation of a failed marine loading arm (MLA) revealed concerns that not all components were being suitably inspected and maintained due to problems accessing the highest pivot joint.

The safety alert is aimed at users and companies that service MLAs to ensure they carry out suitable and sufficient inspection and maintenance to help avoid similar incidents.

Evidence obtained during an HSE investigation of a failed MLA revealed concerns that not all components were being suitably inspected and maintained due to problems accessing the highest pivot joint.

The lack of lubrication of this greased joint presents a serious risk of the joint failing with the potential for complete collapse of the arm, leading to possible death, serious injury or damage to process equipment and subsequent loss of containment.

View the safety alert for full details.