Sprinkler fitter fatally injured and one with serious facial and head injuries

Whilst the NSW fatality is under investigation, and minimal information being made available, what can be reported is the sprinkler fitter has been struck by a projectile whilst working on or near a pressurised installation.

The Victorian incident is similar, with the sprinkler fitter also being struck by a projectile whilst working on or near a pressurised installation.

The two incidents are a timely reminder to ensure employers are providing safe systems of work and implementing control measures that must be put in place prior to working on the installations, and also control measures when systems are left under pressure.

The PPTEU has had two long standing hazard alerts regarding the above hazards associated with works involving pressurised installations following previous fatalities and injuries.

The hazard alerts are available on our web site, titled “Pressure testing of pipe-work”, and “Hydrostatic testing of fire sprinkler suppression systems”.

WorkSafe Victoria also have a publication titled “Safe pressure testing of pipes”.