Aggregate Plant Washer Drum Fall
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
Aggregate Plant Washer Drum Fall
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
Details of Incident
It was reported that whilst a washer plant was in full operation on Thursday 10 January, the inlet end of the washer barrel, which is bolted to the main body of the washer barrel, became detached from the main body of the barrel and catastrophically fell to the ground, a height of approximately 6m.
The investigation suggests that it is suspected one or more of the bolts either sheared off or pulled out of the elongated holes, putting the inlet section out of balance (whilst rotating) and overstressed the remaining bolts, leading to failure. A large number of the bolt housings were badly worn due to a combination of constant movement, vibration and age.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
The arrow shows how the washer drum fell approximately 6-8m
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Corrective action / Recommendations
Areas of plant and equipment that are subject to continual vibration and use should be examined at least monthly to ensure that retaining bolts or safety critical attachments are not loose or worn. These areas should be identified and included in the current inspection routine. Both visual and manual testing / inspection is encouraged. Planned maintenance programmes should also be considered. Access to areas below plant should, where possible, be prohibited whilst the plant is in operation. Managers should ensure that all plant structures receive a structural survey from a qualified professional within suitable and sufficient timescales. Further site specific recommendations have been implemented.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
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