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UK HSE: Workers injured by unplanned release of mud slurry - DEV imca
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UK HSE: Workers injured by unplanned release of mud slurry

What happened

An electricity power station company was prosecuted after three contractors were injured by a sudden release of water and sludge, while carrying out maintenance work. Three crew were removing a recirculation pump for maintenance when approximately 39 cubic metres of diluted slurry and associated stored energy was released, while the pump was being removed. The contractors were swept off the concrete plinth where they had been working and sustained multiple fracture injuries.

What were the causes/what went wrong?

An investigation found that the pressurised contents of the pump and associated pipework had not been discharged prior to work starting, because the drain pipe was blocked. This resulted in the release of stored energy during the removal of the pump, instead of during the isolation process. There had been a failure to undertake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the hazards and risks associated with the work, and their employer had not implemented a safe system of work.

Members may wish to refer to

Safety Event

Published: 1 June 2020
Download: IMCA SF 17/20

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
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IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

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IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.