Mines safety alert no. 241 | 02 March 2010 | Version 1
Rupture of high pressure hydraulic line
Recommendations
- Ensure the design of hose and pipe layouts eliminates contact and rubbing.
- High pressure hoses need to be securely mounted and regularly inspected for wear and abrasion.
- 'Introduction to site' inspections for new equipment need to consider hose and cable layout.
- Personnel access in and around high pressure installations needs to be kept to a minimum and segregated where possible.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
Comments
Poor design, including hose routing, hose retention and hose segregation, were major contributing factors in the incident.
No inspection regime was in place for the hoses and other components.
In this instance, a personnel walkway was directly above the site of the hose failure and the section of walkway was ejected. Fortunately no one was in the area or on the walkway. Segregation of personnel from high pressure hoses needs to be considered in the design process.
Mine Type
All mine types
Incident
After a longwall mine lost electrical and hydraulic power on the face, an investigation found that the pump cart had suffered significant damage due to the rupture of a high pressure emulsion line. The ruptured line damaged the walkway platform (see pictures below) and an electrical cubicle; cutting power to the longwall as the walkway was ejected approximately 3m.
No personnel were working in the area at the time, and no one was injured as a result.
Equipment
Longwall pump sled and adjacent control boxes.
Hazard
Sudden release of energy; high pressure emulsion.
Cause
Hoses had rubbed together compromising the integrity of the outer casing and steel reinforcing braids.
Contact: minesafetyandhealth@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Issued by Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
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