air compressor explodes injures worker....

We have found that the simplest of tasks can be taken for granted. For example how machinery is shut down and restarted is performed countless times without incident. The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents about air compressors in the past. Here is a recent story emphasizing that hazard that they can pose:

A factory worker sustained serious injuries after a compressor exploded one morning during the week of November 19, 2017 in India.

According to the local police, the explosion occurred at a factory around 10 a.m. A worker reached the factory, which manufactures aluminium coating, to open it. When he started up the machinery, a compressor exploded.

“We heard a loud noise and came running out of our houses. We called the fire brigade and the police,” said a resident of nearby community.

There was a small fire following the explosion, but it was quickly brought under control and did not cause any major damage. The worker was taken to a local hospital where he is on ventilator support. “We are recording statements of workers to ascertain whether safety precautions are being taken. The fire brigade will soon be submitting a formal report on the cause behind the explosion, which, prima facie, seems to have occurred due to air pressure in the compressor,” said an officer with the local police.

The police have registered an incident report.

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog prays that the injured worker recovers fully from his injuries.

Another news media report stated that the explosion resulted in compressor parts being thrown out of the building. Narrowly missing nearby pedestrians. 

We acknowledge that some of these incidents that we post are very unique and rare. Regardless, we find that many times it is the “rare and unique” incidents that occur. All too often we take for granted machinery in our plants. Many companies have detail maintenance programs involving all machinery. Some companies do not. Regardless, we have posted incidents involving machinery explosions in all types of companies. Even though one worker was seriously injured, this incident could have been worse.

Does your company have a maintenance program for air compressors, let alone all of your machinery? A valuable resource for maintenance programs is the individual equipment manual. All too often overtime the use of equipment manuals is disregarded. Periodic review of equipment manuals should be done at all plants. Comparing current practices to what is stated in the equipment manual may eliminate potential hazards.

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