DESCRIPTION
An incident at a CEMEX ready-mix plant was the catalyst for the introduction of a new water hose across the business.
A mixer truck was being loaded at a concrete plant. As is custom, it had a hose attached to the water tank to refill it which was attached on the passenger side of the truck. Following loading, the truck commenced to exit the loading area without the driver realising he had forgotten to uncouple the hose from the tank.
The long hose became heavily stretched under the tension due to the truck moving forward and the driver noticed the observer motioning him to stop. This incident could have had more serious repercussions if the hose had snapped or part of the plant structure had broken away, especially given there was another driver in the vicinity at the time.
CEMEX’s investigation into the incident identified the following points;
- Most similar incidents have occurred when the truck fill hose is attached on the passenger side of the truck.
- When positioned on the driver side, the hose is visible to the driver as they make their way to the cab.
- Energy stored in the hose is in proportion to the length of the hose, since it stretches under pressure.
- When a hose stretches under force until it either snaps or breaks away part of the metal pipework or plant structure, any individuals in the area are at risk of being struck.
Watch the video and review the entry in the 'Sharing good practice guide ' to find out about how CEMEX resolved this issue.
BENEFITS
- Zero repeat incidents since system installed.
- Significant reduction in potential for personal injury or equipment damage from this hazard.
- Magnetic couplings prevent build-up of stored energy when hoses stretched.
- Repositioning all hoses on driver’s side reduces potential for a driver failing to detach the fill hose.
- Stored energy minimised by shortening the hose if systems fail.
- A safer environment for all.