This document discusses potential safety hazards when handling rescue mannequins during validation trials on vessels. It notes that the joints on mannequins can pinch fingers if hands are placed under the arms or legs during lifting. It recommends that joints be covered with cuffs or foam insulation to prevent entrapment. Consultants confirm they routinely check mannequins for cuff integrity and discuss pinch points during crew briefings. No injuries from pinched fingers have been reported when following safe carrying and dragging practices with gloves.

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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-28
Issued: 24th
June 2013
Subject: Handling Rescue Mannequins
A safety observation has been received from one of our vessels requesting that the joints on the
mannequins used for validation trials are covered and that this is checked before they are put on
board the vessel. The individual pointed out that these joints are classic ‘pinch points’ and have, in
the past, been the cause of hand injuries during the handling of the dummies.
In particular some dummies were fitted with stainless steel articulating joints and, if you were to put
your hand under the leg or arm in the vicinity of the joint it was not uncommon to get fingers
trapped when you lifted the dummy. We understand the joint design has now been modified but a
hand trap hazard is still present.
In discussion with one of the Marine assurance consultancies that carry out these trials the
following information was furnished;-
‘The mannequins that we use have either full suits fitted or the mannequins which do not have
suits have all been fitted with cuffs at the pinch points. These are checked after every trial and
where needed cuffs are replaced. We also routinely service these. That is not to say that during a
set of trials that a cuff cannot be torn or ripped off if caught on something. There may be a
circumstance where mannequins are transferred from one vessel after trails to another to begin
trials where these cannot be repaired in time, and during the assessors check, should any be
found defective then it would be brought to the crew’s attention and either rectified onboard or not
used if deemed to be unsafe. During our opening briefing, where all crew are in attendance, we
discuss the pinch point to make crews aware of where they are. Also discussed is that any transfer
of mannequins around the vessel is undertaken by two men carrying them or they can be dragged
along the deck by the lanyard between trials (i.e. only out with the trial when good casualty
handling practices are not required) which lessens the likelihood of pinching hands or fingers. All
crew should also wear gloves.
We have never been made aware of any crew person having received an injury by pinching their
fingers or hand. If a crewman is injured in any way then it should be raised during the de-brief.’
Should protection be missing from one of the joints an effective solution is to fit foam pipe
insulation of a suitable size around the joint secured in place with duct tape. This prevents
entrapment but allows the joint to function as intended.
It may be appropriate to make those that that may be involved aware of this potential manual
handling hazard when moving or working with these mannequins and ensure that checks are
carried out on them before use.