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A new plating machine had been installed and was being checked for proper operation. During this check, it was discovered that the bearings on the caustic solution circulating pump were defective and had to be replaced. The pump was removed and repaired and was being reinstalled. An electrician was assigned to make the electrical connections, while a plumber performed the necessary pipe connections on the same pump.

The electrician finished the assignment except for checking the direction of the shaft rotation. Since the plumber was out of the area, the electrician asked the company representative supplying the equipment if the pump was ready to be tried out. The representative stated that it was. The electrician walked to the end of the plater to start the motor, just as the plumber appeared. The plumber's shouts to the electrician not to start the pump were too late—the pump had already been turned on. At that moment, hot caustic solution showered out of the pipe flange, which had not been tightened after reassembly. The solution splashed onto the plumber, two engineers in the area, another plant engineering employee, and the vendor representative. The plumber received burns requiring immediate hospitalization and was off work for about two months. One engineer required subsequent hospitalization for eye burns and was off work for more than one week. The other three involved received minor burns.

What would you recommend for contact and post-contact control?

Answer :

To ensure contact and postcontact control in similar situations these measures should be taken: Emergency Response, Investigation, Training and Communication, Standard Operating Procedures, Safety Equipment and PPE, Maintenance and Inspection, Incident Reporting and Analysis.



1. Emergency Response: Immediately after the incident, it is important to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Those who sustained burns should receive immediate medical attention, and any necessary emergency response procedures should be followed.

2. Investigation: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. Identify any lapses in safety procedures, equipment maintenance, or communication that led to the failure in preventing the incident.

3. Training and Communication: Provide comprehensive training to all personnel involved in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the plating machine. Emphasize the importance of following proper safety procedures, including the importance of tightening pipe flanges and verifying the direction of shaft rotation.

4. Standard Operating Procedures: Develop or revise existing standard operating procedures to include clear instructions for the installation, repair, and operation of the plating machine. This should include specific steps for checking the direction of shaft rotation and ensuring that all pipe connections are properly tightened.

5. Safety Equipment and PPE: Ensure that all necessary safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, are readily available and in good condition. Train employees on the proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

6. Maintenance and Inspection: Implement a regular maintenance and inspection schedule for all equipment involved in the plating process. This includes regular checks of bearings, pumps, and pipe connections to identify any potential issues before they lead to accidents.

7. Incident Reporting and Analysis: Establish a system for reporting and analyzing near misses, incidents, and accidents. Encourage employees to report any safety concerns or observations, and use this information to identify and address potential hazards in a timely manner.

By implementing these steps, contact and postcontact control can be improved, reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

Learn more about Standard Operating Procedures:

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