Safety notice: Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes
HSE has published a safety notice highlighting a risk of uncontrolled load descent on some drilling drawworks equipped with fail-safe disc brakes.
HSE’s investigation found that some disc brakes, while able to pass routine static holding-capacity tests, may not generate enough braking torque to stop a moving load during an emergency.
This could result in uncontrolled descent of top drives or travelling systems, creating a significant risk of serious injury and equipment damage.
Offshore operators, duty holders, manufacturers and suppliers should review the design, testing, maintenance and performance standards of drawworks emergency braking systems.
HSE recommends checking safety cases, maintenance arrangements, OEM instructions, FMEA/FMECA assessments and the condition of critical braking components, including discs, springs, calipers and pads.
Manufacturers should also review whether dynamic braking performance has been adequately assessed and demonstrated. You can find more detailed information by viewing the safety notice in full: Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes.
Free webinar: Achieving safety culture excellence
8 October, 2pm to 3pm.
This exclusive webinar from HSE and our publishing partner TSO will focus on improving organisational safety culture. Topics covered will include:
- the ASCENT programme – a practical, evidence-based approach designed to help organisations build and sustain a strong safety culture
- an exclusive preview of the latest benchmarking data
- real-world examples demonstrating how the Safety Climate Tool is being used to deliver measurable improvements in safety culture
The webinar will conclude with a live audience Q and A. Register for our webinar: Achieving safety culture excellence
