Working With/Near Pressurised Systems - Person in Line of Fire

A worker was investigating a known below ground air leak in a pump assembly at an oily water detention pond. The pump assembly is located in close proximity to the pond and is used to skim oil from the edge of the pond. The worker was clearing some surface rock and soil from around pipework to identify the leak.

The steel working air pipe parted from the poly clamp and the pipe ejected past the worker’s face, striking their hard hat, and landed 7 metres away. The worker sustained minor gravel rash to their wrist, requiring first aid. At the time of the incident, the worker was alone. The pond is located downhill from the main gas plant, out of sight from other parts of the plant.

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