A worker was operating a jackhammer while cleaning out under a crusher, when an air hose connection came loose and flew off. The projectile narrowly missed the workers face. Pressure release is one of the four fatal hazards that kill 85% of people killed at work in the extractives sector, both in New Zealand and internationally. It is the fourth most common cause after falls, collisions and entanglement.
You need to ensure that:
• Where practical, all air hose connections are replaced with quick acting claw couplings and safety pins (refer
photo to right).
• Before commencing any task using air operated tools, all connections are checked for wear and tear, damage
etc.
• Risk assessments are completed on all tasks to ensure that hazards are identified, risks assessed, and effective
controls are put in place.
• Operators are trained and assessed in the safe use of air operated tools, and that training takes account of specific site conditions and activities.
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always worn when operating air operated tools.
Let’s work together to keep ourselves and our workers safe.
Source: Minex
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