Pressure vessels are regulated under the Technical Standards and Safety Act
Hazard Alert-Only qualified technicians can modify boilers and pressure vessels - Download and share
What happened?
In order make their portable ANFO (ammonium nitrate and fuel oil) loader easier to transport, an underground mining operation removed the original manufacturer`s tank support brackets and welded the pressure vessel to a cart frame. Modifications were performed on-site by workers who did not possess the specialized training required for pressure vessels.
Why did it happen?
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Failure to recognize that ANFO is an explosive blasting agent.
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Failure to recognize that pressurized ANFO loaders are pressure vessels regulated under the Technical Standards and Safety Act (TSSA), 2000 and Ontario Regulation 220/01 (Boilers and Pressure Vessels).
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Alterations permitted without an approved TSSA Quality Program in place.
How could the incident have been prevented?
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Always follow the organization’s management of change process prior to making modifications to equipment or process.
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Obtain a Certificate of Authorization for the repair or alteration of a boiler, pressure vessel, fitting or piping.
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Only permit qualified personnel to perform alterations on this type of vessel.
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Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
What the law says
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Sections 7 (Alterations) and 8 (Welding and brazing requirements) of Ontario Regulation 220/01 indicate requirements for alteration and welding repairs.
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Section 25(2) (a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act states an employer shall provide information, instruction, and supervision to a worker to protect the health and safety of the worker, and Section 25(2)(h) states an employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker.