Safety Flash
Penetration injury to eye during blending repair weld
Penetration injury to eye during blending repair weld
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/03
- Line of FireMachinery and EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment
- Line of fireMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Grinding equipmentPersonal protective equipment
- Safety communication
Summary
A boilermaker permanently lost vision in his left eye after a grinding-disc fragment penetrated his welding helmet during dragline repair-weld grinding. Preliminary findings identified restricted working space, suspected grinder jamming and possible lens substitution. Company actions included interim face-shield and safety-glasses requirements, helmet lens checks and workforce discussion.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Grinding equipment; angle grinder; grinding wheel.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Summary
A grinding disc shattered after a tool jammed, penetrating inadequate eye protection and permanently damaging the operator’s vision.
IMCA SF 02/03. Themes: line of fire, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment.