Safety Flash
Near-miss involving bail-out bottle pillar valve
Near-miss involving bail-out bottle pillar valve
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/04
- Competence and TrainingDivingMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Line of fireMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenance
- Gas cylinderValve
- Operational supervisionSafety communication
Summary
A replacement bail-out bottle pillar valve with incorrect size and threads flew out during air filling at about 100 bar. Nobody was injured and nothing was damaged. The flash emphasises maintenance supervision, clear instructions, regular spare-stock checks, equipment-specific labelling and reminders at divers’ safety meetings.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Summary
An incorrectly threaded bail-out bottle valve detached under pressure after an unsuitable replacement valve was fitted.
IMCA SF 02/04. Themes: competence and training, diving, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.