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Written by admin
October 6th, 2014
Health and Safety News
The Health and Safety Executive has issued a safety alert after a maintenance fitter died from hydraulic injection injury.
Initial findings from an HSE investigation found that whilst the worker was using a hand powered grease gun to tension the track of a piling rig, the nipple connecting the grease gun to the track mechanism detached. This permitted the grease to release, injecting the fitter.
“The purpose of this safety alert is to raise awareness of the risks from hydraulic injection injury,” explains the HSE’s website.
Hydraulic injection injury occurs when the outer layer of skin is broken by a jet of fluid under pressure.
“Although serious reported instances of hydraulic injection have occurred at pressures over 100 bar (1450 psi), anecdotal evidence suggests hydraulic injection injury may occur at pressures as low as 7 bar (101.5psi).” – HSE
History shows that injection injuries often result due to a failure of a component in the mechanical system. In such instances, the equipment remains in use whilst leaking pressurised fluid.
Individuals may come into contact with a fluid jet when:
This can cause harm to the person in two ways:
The severity of the injury varies according to the pressure, proximity and jet size.
Time is of the essence following an injection injury. Prompt action can save the injured person’s limb or life.
Devoid of medical treatment, after four to six hours the person may experience intense throbbing pain that is unresponsive to pain medication. Injection can result in the amputation of affected parts.
Action required, includes:
The HSE says that personnel should be “familiar with the steps to take” in the event of an injection injury, particularly the need to seek “immediate professional” medical treatment.
Written by admin
October 6th, 2014
Health and Safety News
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