| From: [email protected] on behalf of Sells_List_Server%[email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 4:57 PM To: LSDGrp_DOE-LL_List%[email protected] Subject: Blue/Information: Release of Stored System Pressure The following Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC Lesson Learned is distributed for utilization by other DOE sites and facilities. Please direct any questions to Joanne Schutt at [email protected] , or (865)574-7087. IDENTIFIER: B-2004-OR-BJCMVCP-0901 DATE: September 8, 2004 LESSON LEARNED STATEMENT: Line/System Pressure should be bled off prior to performing maintenance or troubleshooting a portable pressure washer. DISCUSSION OF ACTIVITIES: A laborer was utilizing a 2800 psi portable pressure washer to clean up the work area when a problem was experienced with the spray nozzle. The laborer turned the pressure washer off and proceeded to troubleshoot the nozzle. During the troubleshooting process, the spray handle was inadvertently squeezed. The release of the stored system pressure from the nozzle resulted in a small laceration to the employee’s right hand. ANALYSIS: The employee was taken to the site medical facility where first aid for the injury was administered. The employee was not aware that the pressure unit would contain stored energy when turned off. Additionally, the activity hazard analysis (AHA) did not address the stored energy hazard (water under approximately 2800 psi of pressure). RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: 1. Employees should be required to read the manufacture’s manuals prior to using and/or troubleshooting the equipment. PRIORITY DESCRIPTOR: Blue/Information FOLLOW-UP ACTION: Information in this report is accurate to the best of our knowledge. As means of measuring the effectiveness of this report please notify Joanne E. Schutt at (865) 574-7087, e-mail at [email protected] of any action taken as a result of this report or of any technical inaccuracies you find. Your feedback is important and appreciated. |
