ACCIDENT ALERT
A miner was seriously injured when he opened a filter backflush valve for a longwall shield hydraulic system. The discharge end of the backflush hose was installed through a hole in the stageloader cover plate without being securely fastened. When the miner opened the valve, the discharge end of the hose whipped out of the hole in the cover plate and struck the miner in the face. The photograph below shows the corrective action implemented by the mine operator to prevent a similar occurrence.
BEST PRACTICES
Properly secure each side of the connection point in a substantial manner in the event of fitting failure or rupture.
Ask yourself, “If this line breaks am I protected?”
Inventory all hydraulic hoses to ensure the discharge ends are secured. Consider the installation of whip checks as an added measure of safety.
Open valves slowly to minimize surge pressure.
