Finding into death of Peter Julian Low
Deceased
PETER JULIAN LOW
Demographics
64y, male
Date of death
2015-11-09
Finding date
2016-12-12
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in an explosion
AI-generated summary
A 64-year-old explosives expert died from multiple injuries sustained in a workplace explosion while blasting rock at a construction site. After initial charges largely misfired, Mr Low failed to follow established Australian Standard procedures for managing misfires. Rather than implementing the proper action hierarchy, he drilled a new hole that intersected a live explosive charge, causing the fatal blast. Investigations revealed he ignored multiple safety protocols: he did not address unfired charges before drilling, left a live electric detonator on the trench surface, and used firing cables near high-tension power lines without adequate clearance. Expert witnesses noted Mr Low was known for cutting corners and had become careless despite 30 years in the industry. He lacked a formal blast management plan and misfire management system. His pre-existing enlarged heart with coronary atherosclerosis likely contributed to rapid deterioration after the blast.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Failure to follow Australian Standard AS2187.2-2006 procedures for managing misfires
- Drilling new hole without addressing unfired charges first
- Leaving live electric detonator on surface during drilling operations
- Inadequate clearance distance from high-tension transmission lines (120m vs recommended 300-400m)
- Use of bell wire firing cable not designed to prevent induced current near power lines
- Lack of blast management plan with misfire management system
- Lack of signed safe work method statement addressing high-risk work
- Careless and cavalier approach to recognised safety procedures
- Poor induction process by Delplant
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