Safety Flash
Hydraulic company sentenced after employee loses sight in one eye
Hydraulic company sentenced after employee loses sight in one eye
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 22/15
- Control of WorkLine of FirePressure SystemsRegulation and Legislation
- Line of fireMechanical failurePressure systemsRegulation and legislationRisk management
- Pressure testing
- Hose
- Exclusion zonesRisk assessment
Summary
A hydraulic pressure-testing incident left an employee blind in one eye after a connector failed and a pressurised hose struck his face. The flash reports prosecution and a fine, highlighting an unsegregated test zone, unsuitable and unmaintained test equipment, and failures in risk assessment and safe working arrangements.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
A failed pressurised hose injured an employee during testing, leading to prosecution for inadequate equipment, risk assessment and safeguards.
IMCA SF 22/15. Themes: control of work, line of fire, pressure systems, regulation and legislation.