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Worker injured using steam wand

What happened - icon

What happened?

An operator was using a steam wand to thaw cement and ice in a flock tank.

The hose disconnected from the wand and steam went up the operator’s left sleeve causing a burn to the left forearm.

Steam burn to forearm
What happened - icon

Why did it happen?

It was determined the quick connect fitting was not completely connected (screwed together) and the continuous motion of the hose caused the fitting to disconnect.

Close-up of a quick connect fitting
What happened - icon

What did they learn?

  • Removed quick connect to permanent fittings.
  • Change out all short-handled steam wands.
  • Workers to wear 2-inch Velcro straps to close the gap between the wet suit sleeve and wrist.
  • Workers to inspect tools and equipment before use.
Velcro straps help protect the worker
What happened - icon

Ask yourself or your crew

  • How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
  • What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls/barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
  • How do we know the risk controls/barriers are working?
  • What improvements or changes should we make to the procedures, controls/barriers or the way we work?
Life saving rule - line of fire
  • What happened?

    An operator was using a steam wand to thaw cement and ice in a flock tank.

    The hose disconnected from the wand and steam went up the operator’s left sleeve causing a burn to the left forearm.

    Steam burn to forearm
  • Why did it happen?

    It was determined the quick connect fitting was not completely connected (screwed together) and the continuous motion of the hose caused the fitting to disconnect.

    Close-up of a quick connect fitting
  • What did they learn?

    • Removed quick connect to permanent fittings.
    • Change out all short-handled steam wands.
    • Workers to wear 2-inch Velcro straps to close the gap between the wet suit sleeve and wrist.
    • Workers to inspect tools and equipment before use.
    Velcro straps help protect the worker
  • Ask yourself or your crew

    • How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
    • What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls/barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
    • How do we know the risk controls/barriers are working?
    • What improvements or changes should we make to the procedures, controls/barriers or the way we work?
    Life saving rule - line of fire
Published on 25/04/23 944 Views

An operator was using a steam wand to thaw cement and ice in a flock tank. The hose disconnected from the wand and steam went up the operator’s left sleeve causing a burn to the left forearm.