An underground miner was seriously injured after the air conditioning in a truck cabin exploded and mine inspection was asked to issue a nationwide safety alert for all mine locations.
The incident on January 11th this year is currently under investigation. However, preliminary results suggest that the explosion was caused by the use of non-compliant chemicals in the air conditioning system.
The force of the explosion also detached some windows in the truck cab and blew them out of the vehicle.
Resources Health and Safety Queensland confirmed that the air conditioning system « has been filled with a refrigerant containing propane and isobutane (hydrocarbon), rather than meeting the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements » requiring the use of « R134a refrigerant ».
« The AC has not been certified to use the hydrocarbon refrigerant, » a spokesman for Resources Safety and Health in Queensland said in a statement.
« The air conditioning service and charging personnel do not have Queensland Work Licenses to work with hydrocarbon refrigerants.
« The release of hydrocarbon refrigerant from the air conditioning system into the cabin created an explosive atmosphere that was ignited by an unknown source. »
The RSHQ spokesman said a similar incident occurred in 2014 when a drill in a coal mine suffered burns to his face, hand and torso in an explosion after hydrocarbon refrigerant leaked from the AC system and ignited.
Key recommendations include that the site manager ensure that all refrigeration equipment, including AC generator sets in mobile facilities, is inspected to verify compliance. All devices not specified by the OEM must be immediately quarantined.
If an alternative refrigerant is used, the system must be tested and certified to use that alternative refrigerant.
« In the case of hydrocarbon refrigerants, this is certified by the petroleum and gas regulator, » said the RSHQ spokesman.
« Refrigerants may only be charged or drained by persons who are specially approved for these refrigerants. »
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Related title :
– Explosion in underground mine car triggers nationwide safety boost
– Truck AC explodes due to non-certified hydrocarbon refrigerant
Ref: https://www.qt.com.au
