INTERNATIONAL COAL NEWS

Fatality highlights hydraulic dangers

SAFEWORK South Australia has stressed the importance of regularly inspecting hydraulic components...

Lauren Barrett

This article is 14 years old. Images might not display.

SafeWork SA said the fire was fuelled by the sudden release of hydraulic fluid at high pressure.

The hydraulic fluid used to power the equipment via hydraulic hoses present a considerable fire hazard because of its combustible nature.

A release of hydraulic fluid under high pressure can create an atomised spray that could be ignited under hot surfaces or electrical arcs.

An investigation in to the incident is now underway.

SafeWork SA detailed a number of probable causes for the incident in a report released this month, including the possibility the hoses were aged beyond service life and there were high fluid operating temperatures.

The likelihood of high ambient temperatures and hoses being twisted from poor installation were also considered.

In the report SafeWork SA said regular inspection of all hydraulic components for signs of wear, damage, corrosion, abrasion and leakage should be conducted to prevent another similar incident.

It was also important to replace any hose which exceeded service life and to ensure any potential ignition source would be suitably shielded from direct hydraulic fluid spray.

In the event of a fire or explosion SafeWork said it was important an emergency evacuation procedure was in place for the safe evacuation of plant operator and passengers.

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