Coroner's Finding: Explosion, Glenorchy
Date of death
2022-02-12
Finding date
2025-02-05
Cause of death
Explosion caused by ignition and deflagration of acetylene leak from a cylinder due to incorrect storage and transportation within a work vehicle
AI-generated summary
This coronial finding concerns an explosion caused by improper storage and transportation of an acetylene gas cylinder in a work vehicle. Ryan Rayner was seriously injured when an acetylene cylinder stored on its side inside a sealed toolbox leaked, creating an explosive gas mixture that ignited when the central locking mechanism arced. The cylinder should have been stored externally in open air according to manufacturer safety warnings. Luke Campbell Welding failed to ensure correct storage procedures despite clear safety labelling on cylinders warning against enclosed storage without ventilation. The coroner emphasised that acetylene cylinders must be stored and transported only in accordance with supplier recommendations, stored upright in open air, and never in sealed compartments.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Acetylene cylinder stored on its side in sealed, non-ventilated enclosed toolbox
- Cylinder not secured, allowing shut-off valve to gradually open
- Failure to follow manufacturer safety warnings regarding ventilation and open-air storage
- Acetylene gas leak ignited by arcing of central locking mechanism
- Rapid gas expansion and over-pressurisation in confined space
Coroner's recommendations
- It is essential that acetylene gas cylinders are only stored and transported in accordance with supplier's recommendations
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