Near miss: unplanned release of 2″ blasting hose outlet from air receiver coupling clamp

What happened?

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. 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:

• Failure of high pressure fitting
• Failure of hydraulic fitting at pressure

Two older incidents from 2003:

• Engine start air fitting incident
• Fatality: Injury from an air hose