Safety alert - fluid injection from high-pressure water cleaner

A safety alert has been issued by the NSW Trade & Investment Mine Safety department in regards to a fluid-injection injury from a water jetter.

It was reported that an operator at a coal-handling and preparation plant sustained a fluid injection to the forearm while using a high-pressure water cleaner, in an incident on 3 February 2014.

According to the report, the operator was working in a restricted and cramped area when he tripped and dropped the lance (jetting gun). The jetting gun failed to automatically shut off. This allowed high-pressure water to hit the operator on the forearm.

For details on the investigation and recommendations from the department, please view the full safety alert SA14-03 Fluid injection from high pressure water cleaner.

Safety alerts are available on the department’s website at www.resources.nsw.gov.au/safety/safety-alerts.