Safety Flash
High potential near miss: failure of valve on gas bottle
High potential near miss: failure of valve on gas bottle
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 20/17
- CorrosionExplosionInspection and MaintenancePressure Systems
- CorrosionExplosionMaterial fatigueMechanical failurePressure systems
- Fluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Gas cylinderHoseValve
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresPositive retention and reliable securing
Summary
A naval gas-bottle refilling near miss involved a valve expelled from a high-pressure cylinder, with the charging whip and valve remnant striking a wall. Analysis identified corrosion-induced cracking and material fatigue. The flash describes valve replacement, age tracking, whip securing, cleanliness procedures and consideration of further training.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Material fatigue; metal fatigue.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Summary
A corroded and fatigued gas-cylinder valve was expelled explosively during high-pressure filling.
IMCA SF 20/17. Themes: corrosion, explosion, inspection and maintenance, pressure systems.