Safety Flash
Diver injury during air cylinder recharging
Diver injury during air cylinder recharging
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/10
- DivingMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Line of fireMechanical failurePressure systems
- Diving operations
- Gas cylinderHoseValve
- Contractor managementJob safety analysisOperating and work proceduresStop-work authority
Summary
A diver suffered a head injury during compressed-air recharging of a bale-out cylinder on deck. Incompatible metric and Whitworth threads allowed the pillar valve to disconnect, with the compressor filling hose striking the diver’s head. The member checked thread compatibility, required subcontractor marking and checking procedures, audited the subcontractor and stipulated dedicated JSA/HAZID assessments.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Job safety analysis; JSA; job hazard analysis; JHA.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Summary
An incompatible valve and cylinder connection separated during compressed-air recharging, causing a diver head injury.
IMCA SF 05/10. Themes: diving, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.