Kinetic Hazards

Kinetic hazards take two main forms. Firstly is the energy associated with motion or the potential for motion. Motion hazards are most commonly linked to mechanical energy but other forms of movement are hazards as well. You will find this hazard in moving vehicles, slamming doors, sea-waves, flying aircraft, turning fan blades and suspended loads. You will also find kinetic or potential energy hazards wherever you get stored or trapped pressure. If the pressure is uncontrollably released, the pressurized energy will usually transform itself into movement (flying objects). It will also often transform into noise (from the explosive release) and/or heat (if pressurized flammable gas ignites).

Forms of kinetic energy include:

  • Motion energy (e.g., energy involved in moving a forklift).
  • The greater the mass and speed of an object the more kinetic energy is contained; and
  • Mechanical energy (e.g., the energy contained or created by turning gear cogs);
  • Potential energy (e.g., the energy “stored” in a suspended load).
  • Moveable material or work pieces that are supported, retained or controlled by a machine and that could move or cause the machine to move.

Pressure is energy that is applied to or contained within a liquid or gas that is stored inside some kind of containment vessel (e.g., a gas cylinder). Pressure energy can be found in:

  • Pressure piping and hoses;
  • Process equipment;
  • Pressure control lines;
  • Gas cylinders; and Hydraulic or pneumatic tools.

Kinetic and other energy sources are controlled when workers must do maintenance work on equipment by locking and tagging out. Think about the following accidents:

  1. A worker was killed when he was crushed to death in a chipper machine. Someone started the conveyor at
    the operator’s console after the worker, who was completing repairs on the machine, had descended into the conveyor to retrieve a tool.
  2. A worker amputated two fingers and part of his left hand when another worker turned on the saw from which he was removing debris.
  3. A worker required 14 stitches to his right hand after he reactivated a bending machine while changing the die. He accidentally touched the foot pedal, which activated the machine, and the die lowered on his right hand.

In each case there was uncontrolled kinetic and mechanical energy present. It is important that these energy sources are identified and controlled to prevent accidents.

And a bonus quote from Helen Keller:

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened; vision cleared; ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Thanks for the share, TO!