Safety Alert issued after fire ignites from worker drilling into a sealed void


Monday, 02 February, 2015

A tradesman drilled into an enclosed excavator counterweight using a battery drill in an incident last year that has prompted NSW Mine Safety to issue a Safety Alert.

Gas was released as the worker drilled through the steel plate.The gas ignited and the tradesman suffered second degree burns to his right hand. He was not wearing gloves.

An investigation was conducted and moves were made to rectify the situation.

Click here to view the full safety alert SA 15-01 and the list of recommendations.

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