Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Fatality: Injury from an air hose - DEV imca
Skip to content

Fatality: Injury from an air hose

A member has reported that it is aware of the following incident, whereby a worker was struck on the head by a compressed air hose which had blown off of its fitting on a piece of equipment. He received serious head injuries, which proved fatal.

The air hose had been held by a hose clamp on the fitting, with no keeper, restraining chain or sling to prevent the hose from thrashing around and this failure to properly secure the hose and hose clamp was identified as the primary cause of the incident.

This had been a ‘routine’ task and didn’t require a formal written job safety analysis to be carried out.

However, the company has highlighted the destructive potential of unrestrained compressed air hoses to all personnel through toolbox talks and safety training.

It has expressed the need for keepers, chains, slings, special proprietary couplings and whip-checks to be installed on all diameter or high-pressure compressed air hoses, in order to prevent them thrashing about in the event of a hose or coupling failure (see figure). The company has undertaken to perform regular inspections of all compressed-air-powered equipment, including hoses, in order to assess the integrity of couplings, clamps, keepers and hoses and to allow corrective action to be taken.

Safety Event

Published: 1 July 2003
Download: IMCA SF 06/03

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

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.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

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.