After a blockage in a sand pump at this East Dereham Quarry posed a danger to the workforce, a simple solution has been found. Although pumping stopped when the blockage built in the pipeline, the impeller continued to turn, heating the water and producing steam. No outward signs were obvious, but an operative who released the bung to check the pump could be scalded with hot water and steam.
A SHE sub-committee was formed to discuss solutions. It was decided that a nipple should be screwed into the casing and a lever tap fitted to the nipple. Although care is still needed, the risk of scalding is now significantly reduced, as the angle of the tap is such that it can be turned with the operator’s hand out the way of the flow of water. |