* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HAZARD ALERT * * * * Produced by: Saskatchewan Human Resources, * * Labour and Employment * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WORKER SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN STRUCK BY A FLYING COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER *** CIRCUMSTANCES: *** A restaurant worker was assigned to connect a compressed gas cylinder to a soft drink dispenser. The worker was not experienced or adequately trained in handling compressed gas cylinders. The cylinder was not secured against falling. During installation, the relief valve was mistakenly removed. The force of the escaping compressed gas caused the cylinder to become a high speed projectile and fly wildly about the work area. Before it came to rest, it struck a teenage worker who was unable to get out of the way in time. Her ankle was shattered. *** PREVENTION: *** Adequate training and supervision would have prevented the relief valve from being removed accidently, while proper securing of the cylinder may have prevented it from causing serious injury. *** REGULATIONS CONTRAVENED: *** This accident probably would not have happended had the 'Occupational Health and Safety Regulations' been followed. Section 9 of regulations requires that: Every employer shall ensure that no worker is permitted to perform work unless that worker is sufficiently experienced or instructed to perform the work safely and in accordance with the regulations in force under the authority of the Act or where the work is done under close and competent supervision. Section 272(a) and (b) requires the employer to ensure that: (a) the contents of every compressed gas cylinder are conspicuously identified on the cylinder; (b) compressed gas cylinders, piping and fittings are located or protected in such a manner as to prevent damage from physical contact; and (c) every compressed gas cylinder is secured against falling during transportation, storage and use. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *