On January 31, 2009, a 40 year-old contractor technician with 36 weeks of experience was fatally injured at an alumina milling operation. He was cleaning hydrate that had built up inside a 30-inch pipe in the plant. The victim was using a high pressure water hose when the unrestrained hose end and attachment blew out of the pipe. He was struck by the water.
Best Practices
- Establish, review, and follow procedures to ensure all hazards are identified and controls are used to protect persons before beginning work.
- Train persons on hazards and safe work procedures for high pressure water cleaning.
- Ensure that operators are in a safe position and have control of their equipment at all times.
- Install barricades or warning signs to prohibit access.
- Follow equipment manufacturers’ operating instructions.
- Provide emergency stop/depressurization control.
- Maintain sight or voice communications between person operating the high pressure nozzle and person operating the controls.
- Use special protective equipment and clothing.
- Contractor and mine management should routinely monitor work activities to ensure safe operating procedures are followed and persons are protected from hazards.
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