WORKSAFE Victoria has released a safety solution on preventing explosions when testing pipelines.
According to the safety solution, high pressure air testing of water and sewerage pipe mains could lead to injuries or fatalities.
In a recent incident, two workers laid 30m of 300mm diameter PVC pipe on a roadside, then pneumatically tested the pipe to a pressure of 690kPa.
As the air pressure in the pipeline approached the maximum test pressure, the 70kg temporary metal cap exploded from the pipe end, killing one worker and injuring another.
WorkSafe Victoria says the risks of high pressure air testing means wherever practicable, the pressure testing of pipelines for water or sewerage should be undertaken using water.
If water testing is not possible, air pressure testing should be conducted to a maximum pressure of 50kPa only.
The use of any pressure greater than 50kPA will require protective measures such as a designated test zone, exclusion zone, equipment, materials and pipe end supports.
Employees testing water or sewer pipes should be properly trained and should fully understand the specifications and procedures required.
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