GPCA Lessons Learned & Best Practices Communication

Finger Injury during maintenance activity on Pump

Risks not addressed properly
Please check one: Actual Loss Near Miss
Applicable Codes : 1.CAER 2.Dist. 3.Prod. Stew. 4.Sec. 5.H&S 6.Proc. Safety 7.Env
GPCA LL 02/2017 Issue date: 28/02/2017
What happened?
During maintenance job, for replacing bearing and mechanical seal of a pump, the technician was required to
remove the side bearing cover. For this, the four bolts on the cover were removed. The bearing cover came loose
and in the reflex action, the technician tried to catch hold of the falling cover. During this, his right hand ring
finger was pinched between the bearing cover and the nearby valve stem, resulting in injury.

Why it happened? What we can do?

The bearing cover has an O ring and the
technician assumed that it would hold the
cover even if all the bolts were removed. His
assumption was wrong. Also, the weight of the
cover needed at least two personnel for
handling. Hazards related to this activity was
not well captured in Permit and risk
assessment.
Prefer mechanical tools for material shifting,
or ask for assistance during manual
handling of heavy materials.
STOP & THINK, before starting a job.
Ensure hazards are identified, mitigated and
well communicated among the crew.
Use the required PPEs strictly.

Key Learnings
Do not assume and never take short cuts.
Never underestimate risks of task.

For additional information contact:

rc@gpca.org.ae
Tel: 971-4-451-0666 Ext. 112