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Welding gas exploded after torch valve left open

  • What happened?

    An oxygen/ethylene cutting torch and hose was disconnected from a gas manifold at the end of shift.

    The torch was stored in a steel toolbox.  The hose was left hanging near the manifold.

    The hose was later reconnected to the manifold by the nightshift operators. Gas started to accumulate in and around the toolbox.

    Nearby gouging work ignited the gas causing an explosion.

    The toolbox and deluge skid were damaged.

    The damaged toolbox and deluge skid.
  • Why did it happen?

    Nightshift workers connected the hose nipple to the gas manifold without a pre-check verification.

    The gas torch valve had been left in the ‘open’ position. Once the hose nipple was connected to the manifold, gas started to accumulate.

    Energy containment: insufficient spark and slag containment for nearby gouging operations.

    The steel toolbox 1.5 metres from the gouging work area.
  • What did they learn?

    The following barriers must be in place:

    • Hot work procedure
    • Spark containment
    • Gas testing
    • Hose management and identification
    What learn - icon
  • Ask yourself or your crew

    How could something like this happen here?

    Why do you think they connected the hoses without checking?

    What specific barriers/controls do we have in place that could prevent this?  Consider:

    • Hot work procedure
    • Spark containment
    • Gas testing
    • Hose management and identification
    Ask your crew - icon
Published on 23/05/19 2610 Views

No pre-checks were made before hooking a cutting torch hose a to a manifold, leading to an accumulation of gas close to an area where gouging work was being carried out. The gas ignited, causing an explosion.