Welding and Cutting

Hazard Alert No 90 - Hot work on quarry screening plant was issued in September 2009.

While performing hot work using oxyacetylene cutting equipment on the top deck of a screening plant, a fire broke out and engulfed the entire work area. The area contained three screening plants, conveyors and electrical installations.

Within 3-4 minutes of beginning the cutting task, a fire took hold in the chute of the screen deck that was undergoing maintenance. Within 10 minutes the entire work area was engulfed in flames.

View Hazard Alert No 90 from the link below.

Hazard Alert No 34 - Welding in Hazardous Environments was issued in May 2001.

Two serious accidents involving explosions as a result of welding activities have occurred where it has emerged that appropriate safety requirements may not have been observed.

In the first explosion an apprentice mechanic was undertaking welding repairs on fittings attached to a waste oil storage tank. During this work the tank exploded. Fortunately the apprentice only suffered minor injuries.

In the second explosion a boilermaker was welding on a petrol powered aluminium fishing boat. During this task an explosion occurred on the boat resulting in major property damage. The boilermaker suffered minor burns and a badly fractured ankle.

In both instances the potential for several fatalities was high.

View Hazard Alert No 34 from the link below.