Dwd Fatality Presentation

Incident 25th March 2008

INTRODUCTION •An accident occurred on 25th March 2008 @ 09:45 hrs at Albwardy workshop area (in front of dock 2) in Al-Jadaf dock yard. •A Mechanical Supervisor and 2 of his colleagues were involved in the process of compressing an electric motor core plate with the aid of a 200 Ton hydraulic jack and hydraulic pump. •During the process, when the Mechanical Supervisor was taking measurements of the motor core, a steel ball from the quick release non return valve on the hydraulic jack propelled out and struck the injured person’s throat. •He sustained deep laceration on his lower neck area and was pronounced dead upon arrival by the Doctor in Al Maktoum Hospital, Dubai.

INVESTIGATION •Upon arrival on worksite after the incident the following was noted by the AME Safety Officer: •The injured person was working on a platform in front of the Albwardy Main workshop area. •He was assisted by 2 of his workers to compress the electrical motor core plate with the aid of hydraulic jack and pump. •The injured person was found approx. 3m away from the platform where he was working after being struck by the ball. •The pump was pressurized as per the instruction of the injured person. •The return line of the hydraulic jack was found not connected to the pump.

This is a double acting hydraulic jack. Hoses must be connected to both ports on the jack to allow the hydraulic fluid (non compressible) to be released

IMMEDIATE CAUSE Hydraulic return line not fitted from Jack to hydraulic pump

Hose connection from hydraulic jack to pump (Not fitted)

Hydraulic jack

Hose connection from Hydraulic pump to hydraulic jack

Electrical motor core plate

hydraulic pump

•The casualty had been a supervisor since 1990 •He had been employed by Albwardy for the past 8 years •He had carried out operations with hydraulic jacks correctly and safely many times prior to this incident

•Accidents could happen to any one of us especially if we are not fully concentrating on the job at hand. From the most experienced supervisor to the most junior helper. We must all be aware of the dangers around us in our everyday work and think before we act.

CONTROL MEASURES TAKEN SINCE FATALITY: The Managing Director spoke to all the AME workforce in Jadaf highlighting the dangers that surround us in our everyday work and putting emphasis on being vigilant and aware of risks.

Tool box talks conducted by supervisors to ensure all understand the potential dangers of using high pressure hydraulic equipment.

Risk Assessment reviewed & revised

All Hydraulic jack quick release couplings replaced with new type that prevent this failure occurring due to nature of sealing face.

Unfortunately I am not able to furnish you with any more details regarding this event as it is still under investigation by the authorities, and it would not be correct for me to comment any further.

Thank you for your time and attention.