Near miss: unplanned release of 2″ blasting hose outlet from air receiver coupling clamp
- Safety Flash
- Published on 23 August 2018
- Generated on 14 October 2025
- IMCA SF 18/18
- 2 minute read
During blasting and painting operations conducted at an onshore worksite, a near miss incident occurred when a 2″ blasting hose outlet released from the coupling clamp connected to an air receiver.
What happened?
The 2″ hose was arrested by the hose restraint. The force from the released energy caused the air receiver to fall sideways striking the ground and adjacent objects, resulting in equipment damage. No personnel were standing in the immediate area or line of fire when the incident occurred.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- The 2″ hose dislodged from the hose shank due to an improperly tightened Chicago connector.
- The air receiver was placed on sand and was unstable and contributed to the air receiver tank falling sideways.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- Ensure that risk assessments are carried out. Implement controls to ensure that equipment is appropriately placed on suitable stable footings (hard standing) and that appropriate restraints are in place.
- Assess the application of Chicago connectors with a view to replacing them with alternatives when high pressure applications are identified.
- Regularly review and inspect all pressure related connections to ensure that they are correctly assembled and fitted with adequate whip checks/restraints.
- Assess that barriers are in place to ensure an effective safe distance is achieved to protect personnel from any unplanned pressure release or equipment failure.
Members may wish to refer to:
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 06/03
1 July 2003
-
IMCA SF 01/03
1 January 2003
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.