Warning issued about hazards of tipping molten slag

Comcare has recently received a confirmed report of a slag-pot dislodging from a carrier while tipping 38 tonnes of molten slag; and as a result, has issued a Safety Alert, warning operators of the dangers.

In the reported incident, a pot-lock safety system on the slag-pot carrier did not operate according to the manufacturer’s specifications, which allowed the pot to tip without the carrier locking mechanism being engaged. The pot-lock safety system did not operate because an interlock valve remained open.

The hazards and risks that were identified in the Alert included:

• An uncontrolled release of molten slag that could result in individuals coming into contact with molten slag; and
• Extreme heat from the molten slag.

The Alert stated that the following actions needed to be taken by slag-pot carrier operators:

• Identify any slag-pot carriers under their control;
• Contact the manufacturer of the slag-pot carrier to ensure all modifications and improvements are in place to prevent dislodgement; and
• Take all reasonably practical steps to control the risk to employees, contractors and third parties from a slag-pot being dislodged from a carrier.