Finding into death of Barry Lawrence Purtell
Deceased
Barry Lawrence Purtell
Demographics
34y, male
Date of death
2014-06-15
Finding date
2018-08-31
Cause of death
Blast injuries
AI-generated summary
Barry Purtell, a 34-year-old diesel mechanic, died from blast injuries sustained in a refrigeration compressor explosion while helping friends vacate a hotel. The compressor in the cellar initially contained non-flammable refrigerant but was improperly maintained. Mr Purtell obtained automotive refrigerant (HyChill) from his workplace and used it to top-up the leaking compressor without understanding its flammability. The compressor was then inadequately labelled as to its actual contents. When attempting to dismantle the compressor using improper procedures, ignition from a cigarette lighter ignited accumulated flammable gases, causing the explosion. Proper maintenance addressing the known leak, appropriate hazard labelling, and use of qualified technicians with proper decommissioning procedures would have prevented this death.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Refrigeration compressor located in confined cellar space
- Known refrigerant leak not properly addressed for years
- Improper topping up of compressor with incompatible refrigerant
- Absence of accurate hazard labelling
- Unqualified personnel attempting compressor maintenance and removal
- Failure to use proper decommissioning procedures
- Incomplete crimping of refrigerant lines
- Ignition from cigarette lighter in presence of flammable gas accumulation
Further listening
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