Contact with a Stored Energy Source

1 Feb 2012

Summary of events

Contributing factors

Moving forward, What did we learn and do

Two workers where assigned to assist with the removal of redundant piping and a sump pump on the 170 level TM.

When they arrived, work had already begun and sections of pipe where removed, original workers where reassigned and left job site prior to their arrival.

Men assessed job, closed main line isolation valves in ramp and then followed pipes to their termination down the 170 level.

Pipe ends where open (from previous workers) and workers assumed(incorrectly) that the pipes where drained and in a zero energy state. They failed to lock and tag out any valves within the system.

One worker was raised up in the scoop bucket and started to remove the bolts on a 4” Victolic clamp on what he thought was a water pipe with a battery operated impact driver, he then started to remove the final bolt by hand and was expecting to be sprayed by residual water from the pipe and had his head turned away, when he was down to 3 or 4 threads, the pipe parted under air pressure with explosive force.

He was hit on the right side of his head and face with an air blast, knocking him to the bottom of the scoop bucket and blowing his safety glasses and hard hat off.

Sump area with poor lighting

First valves

closed by workers

Pipe ends open and drained, no air or

water

170 Level

Valves found to be open

1

2

3

Air Pipe

Water Pipe

Main branch line valves closed

Injured worker elevated in scoop bucket

Pipes cross over and are not easily visible from drift, both valves closed.4 inch air and water

lines disconnected by electricians (pipe ends open)

170 Level

Main

Ram

p

Sump

Valves on level open

Air Pipe

Water Pipe

Fortunately, the worker suffered only minor injuries;

Temporary reduction of hearing in his right ear,

Redness on right side of his face from being peppered by rust particles.

Bruised ego and severe embarrassment

Contributing factorsPipe work was not worker’s regular duties, he is a water

tender manning pumps and controlling water levels U/G, the last pipe work performed by him was approx 4 yrs earlier.

Time sensitive task, he had a window of 2-3 hrs before he was required to tend to the pumps and control water levels in the mine.

Little or no communication between them and the crew who started the job as the injured worker had to return to surface to replace a broken impact driver.

Last Lock Out training was during his initial induction, 17 months earlier

Moving Forward, What did we learnSupervisors must be aware of worker experience,

knowledge and skill level and assign tasks accordingly. What gets tested gets done (job observations, procedure review prior to work assignment)

Workers must be aware of their experience, knowledge and skill level and act accordingly, recognize their own limitations( when in doubt, ask).

Refresher training is invaluable and must be conducted on a regular schedule.

Supervisors and workers must be mindful of time restraints and at the same time maintain situational awareness when rushed.

Workers must ensure that they are fully aware of the systems they are working on, and physically check to ensure that what they think is, actually is. (crossing pipes and hidden valves)

Corrective Actions, What did we do

Lock Out and Zero Energy procedures reviewed with all crews and supervisors

Schedule of reviews implemented (annually) Increased frequency and quality of Job

Observations to include procedures and safe practices.

Reviewed our Lock Out procedure and amended to strengthen the air/water hazard precautions.

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