IADC - Fall from height whilst descending derrick ladder and harnessed

Injured person (IP) had just completed untying a double stand of drill pipe that was lashed to the derrick. IP

connected full body harness to the cable sleeve of the fall-arrest system and started to descend the derrick ladder

when his foot slipped on a rung, causing him to fall 6-7 ft. (approx. 2 m) to the intermediary platform below.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:

The installed fall-arrest system failed to stop IP’s fall over a 6-7ft. distance.The fall-arrest manufacturer’s technical specifications indicate that it may not stop a fall immediately and thata minimum clearance of 7ft. (2m) is required between the user’s feet and the surface below for the system to stop the fall of an average person.

To view this IADC alert in full, click the 'Download Alert' button above.