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Posted By Paul T9
After some guidance on this one, an employee was pressurising a portable apparatus (100 psi) using a vehicle mounted airline system. As the employee finished he drained the air using the control (this is a tyre inflator type valve) and then went to disconnect the airline form the vehicle connector (a push in locking collar connector). The male connector was ejected under pressure and flew out of the employees hand but luckily did not hit anyone.
Should this system not have a way of shutting off the pressure and releasing the pressure prior to disconnecting the connector? The maximum operating pressure of the system is 11 bar. Is there specific guidance on this?
Thanks in advance
Paul
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Posted By Ron Hunter
If the system was switched-off and then opened to atmosphere before the coupling was disconnected, then what you describe surely can't happen.Perhaps there was an error or violation.
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Posted By Crim
Is this a "near miss"?
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Posted By Paul T9
Sorry Ron,
The system is vehicle mounted and under constant pressure to the connector. There is no way to release this pressure short of draining all the vehicle's airtanks.
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Posted By Paul T9
Hi Crim
I would say yes although my manager's wouldn't as have raised concerns previously.
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Posted By Crim
Hi Paul,
Glad you agree but sad your managers don't.
If you have raised the issue previously in writing you probably should push this as serious injury could result from further incidents. Somebody would then want to know why you didn't push a little harder?
Is this pressure system under the pressure system regulations? If so a written scheme is required with regular inspection, one year I think. That could help?
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Posted By Paul T9
I filled out a written RA last year but the problem is that this is an alternative method of doing this job as our normal compressor is awaiting repair.
I need something that states the system should be able to be isolated and drained prior to disconnection.
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Posted By Crim
If this is under the pressure systems regs the insurer's inspection engineer will advise. If not I think it should be.
Be careful as I have recently had a client who was issued an Improvement Notice by HSE as they could not locate the inspection record.
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Posted By Alan Nicholls
Unless the airline coupling was on an Artic unit, it is unlikely to have any sort of isolation valve.
This type of connection must be removed by turning the collar while holding the attachment, not just twisting the collar and allowing the attachment to come away like a bullet from a gun.
Lack of training and (possibly common sense)
The air system on a road going vehicle is not governed by the regulation quoted.
It refers t o fixed systems inside buildings and premises.
Regards Alan
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Posted By Paul T9
I think that is the problem I’m facing here as it is a road vehicle, but due to the design and location of the connector it makes use difficult. The connector is located at the back of an equipment locker at waist height so to disconnect you have to reach in about a meter over the top of a shelf and push up on the male connector while pushing up on the collar on the connector. This means you are bent in leaning and reaching across at the same time so understandable why trying to maintain a tight grip is difficult.
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Posted By Alan Nicholls
Paul
From your description it sound like a utilities vehicle.
How often is this likely to be used? If the answer is frequently; then get modifications to the pipe to allow better control and access.
At even quite low air pressure an air coupling released while un-restrained has the potential to kill.
Having said this; the Schraider type quick coupling is used extensively in road and rail applications. I have had dealings with these for many years with no problems, from poor maintenance and in some cases none for 14 years and still operating as designed.
The answer as always; its up to you to decide the best course of action.
Have a good weekend
Regards Alan
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Posted By Paul T9
Thanks Alan,
As you rightly surmised it is only being used as our normal compressor is awaiting repair but does tend to delay the repair action as it is a handy substitute. On Monday I’ll try to get some progress on the compressor. I put a slight spanner in the works as I found that the airline that is used for the vehicle is worn and showing the inner reinforced tube and so removed it from use (I inspected the hose after the occurrence you can never be too careful).
Regards
Paul
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Posted By Alan Nicholls
If you need more info e-mail me direct, would be happy to help.
Regards Alan
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