Safety Alert

Number: 23-05 Published: 10/04/2023

Subject: Unsafe Use of Floor Grating Systems
Issue / Outline of the Problem
Sections of polymer floor grating systems, used on vessels, offshore oil and gas platforms and wind generation
installations, can become dislodged. Workers and others are at risk of tripping on unsecured flooring or falling
through the subsequent hole.
Investigations have revealed that fasteners used to secure the polymer grating flooring sections have not been
installed or positioned as per the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM’s) guidance, or in line with industry
good practice.

Action Required

Identify where grating systems are used

Vessel owners/operators, duty holders and employers should identify all areas of grating systems across vessels,
installations, and workplaces.
Prioritise safety critical areas
Prioritise safety critical areas such as escape routes and carry out a suitable and sufficient review to ensure they
are safe to use. This should include but not be limited to ensuring they are installed in accordance with the
original equipment manufacturers (OEM) instructions for the use of fasteners.

Note: It is advised that all types of grating systems, metallic and polymer are reviewed to ensure the fastening
systems used are suitable and sufficient.

The information contained within this Safety Alert and the associated MSF web site is provided in good faith for the benefit of our members and does not
constitute and is not intended to constitute professional advice or any form of formal representation on behalf of any MSF member or officer. The text as
provided by submitting organisations may be amended to ensure that it is brief, informative and readable but will as far as reasonably practicable remain
as per the intent of the original submission. For the avoidance of doubt, no liability whatsoever shall be attached to any guidance, recommendation or
statement contained therein. Contents should be reviewed individually by recipients who will determine relevance to their own operations.
Page 1 of 1