From 2018 to 2021, six serious incidents relating to air conditioning flushing canisters have been reported on mine sites in Western Australia. In five of these incidents, the flushing canister had been over-pressurised and subsequently ruptured.
In all reported incidents, the involved flushing canisters were assumed to be in working order at the beginning of the task. Injuries from these events included lacerations to the lower arm and workers being hit by the canister and/or fragments.
Flushing canisters contain cleaning solvent, which is used to clean and flush residue or contaminants from the vehicle’s air conditioning system. The solvent is collected via a venturi effect primarily by nitrogen gas supplied using a standard nitrogen gas cylinder.
Flushing canisters are predominantly rated to a maximum pressure of 1,034 kPa (150 psi), and nitrogen supply can be in excess of 16,300 kPa (2,360 psi).