Safety Flash
Stored energy: injury caused by failure of expansion joint in fire-fighting equipment
Stored energy: injury caused by failure of expansion joint in fire-fighting equipment
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 14/18
- Inspection and MaintenanceMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Line of fireMechanical failurePressure systemsRisk management
- Inspection and maintenance
- Hose
- Operating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
Summary
During a fire-fighting equipment trial, an expansion joint failed and released pressurised water, striking a nearby crewman and knocking him unconscious. The flash identifies shortcomings in risk management, service-life understanding, installation instructions and preventive maintenance. Lessons address investigation of previous failures and design review of critical pressurised equipment.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Summary
A failed fire-fighting system expansion joint released pressurised water, seriously injuring a nearby crew member.
IMCA SF 14/18. Themes: inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.