After a poly pipe struck a worker at an underground mine in Queensland, operators are being advised to account for stored energy risks to curb injuries.
According to Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ), the incident occurred during installation works, with a service crew putting a new four-inch-diameter poly pipe in an underground drive at the mine.
The first 50 meters of poly pipe had been installed, and a second 50-meter length of poly pipe was connected with a joiner. This joined section of pipe was being lifted using a U-shaped ‘bull-horn’ attachment on the basket of an integrated tool-carrier (IT) so it could be hung from the backs.
During this time, the worker was in the basket next to the pipe to facilitate the installation when the pipe moved unexpectedly as the basket was lowered to allow the joiner to pass through the bullhorn.
The ‘U’ shaped bull-horn attachment was open at the top, which allowed the pipe to come free and hit the worker’s head.
Following the incident, RSHQ said operators needed to be aware that “stored energy release, such as unexpected movement, ‘whipping’ or ‘spring-back’ of pipes, lines and hoses, may be a hazard present during installation, and take action to appropriately mitigate risk to workers.”
To control the danger, risk assessments, procedures and Safe Work Instructions (SWIs) “must consider the potential for stored energy release during the installation or maintenance of services”.
RSHQ added that plant and equipment used for the installation of services should also incorporate features to assist in the control of stored energy hazards.
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.