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.
Understanding hydraulic injection injuries
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:
- Using equipment
- Carrying out inspection and/or maintenance sparked by a decline in performance of the equipment
This can cause harm to the person in two ways:
- The mechanical pressurised penetration and subsequent trauma to the surrounding and underlying tissue
- The toxicity of the fluid injected into the injured party
The severity of the injury varies according to the pressure, proximity and jet size.
How to respond to a hydraulic injection injury
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:
- Persons maintaining mechanical plant must inspect the integrity and security of grease nipples and pipe work adapters used as part of track tensioning systems
- Such inspections should take place at routine service intervals and before attempting to carry out vehicle track tensioning at any time
- Where replacement or maintenance takes place on a pressurised system, fittings should be matched and compatible as per the original equipment manufacturers’ specification
- Verification of such replacements should be regarded as a pressure test and appropriate precautions taken
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.
