MSB No. 071 Booster compressor explosions - RC drilling

Information:

What

Over the past few years a number of explosions involving booster compressors have occurred at RC drilling operations. The potential for serious injuries and fatalities is very high given the nature of these explosions.

Why

Ingress of hydrocarbon (oil) into the booster compressor compression system and to down stream components resulting in oil mixing with air to form an air/oil (air/fuel) mixture, which under the right conditions ignites and combusts producing tremendous heat and pressure.

Recommendations

Recommendations relate to creating awareness and management of hazards/risks associated with use of high-pressure compressed air plant, ensuring safe work and training procedures and equipment alterations in order to make the equipment safer.

Organisation:

Department of Industry and Resources

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Jurisdiction:

Relates to Western Australia (WA)

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