Safety Alert

1. Safety Alert No. 2 Jan.2000 Is it gas free? • What happened ? • Somebody asked for help to cut an empty drum to be used as a barbeque for Eid celebrations.The technician started to cut the drum by using a grinder, igniting some flammable liquid still left in the drum. This resulted in 1st degree burns on upper right arm, right chest and back. • Why did the accident happen ? • Supervisor failed to highlight hazards and implement controls • Victim was new to the task and unfamiliar with the hazards involved • Incoming staff had not attended appropriate HSE training • What can you learn from this accident ? • Always cold cut a drum using a cutting tool appropriate for the job, • If the correct tool is not available, and it is decided to cut a drum using a grinder or torch, • The following procedures should be followed: • . Assume the drum has contained a flammable liquid, • . Use water to thoroughly flush the drum, • . Carry out a gas test with an explosion meter, • . If the gas test indicates that flammable vapours are still present continue • flushing until all flammable liquids have been removed. • =================================================================Note for Supervisors: Make sure your staff understand this message !!!