12
Tuesday, March 27, 1973
ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CARTRIDGE OPERATED TOOLS
Labour Department Investigation Completed
The Labour Department has now completed its investigation of
the recent accidents involving the use of cartridge operated tools.
Three workers were killed and another seriously injured in the
accidents.
Commenting on the findings of the investigation, the Assistant
Commissioner of Labour, Mr. David Lin, said today that the tools involved
were found to be in proper working order. The safety systems built into the
tools were functioning properly, but they were all dirty, dry and even rusty.
Samples of the threaded studs used in the tools had also been
tested without any apparent defect being detected.
Mr. Lin said the department's investigation had shown that in
all the accidents, the operators of the tools were working in positions
which did not permit them to keep the tools pressed evenly and directly
against the work surfaces.
In at least two of the accidents the operators had attempted to
fire fasteners into reinforced concrete in areas where the concrete was
either chipped or crumbling.
The investigation also revealed that none of the operators involved
had received any formal training in using this type of tool.
Mr. Lin said that although cartridge operated tools incorporate
proper safety devices, these could be rendered ineffective by operators
who did not fallow the safety rules and instructions recommended by the
manufacturers.
/*The tools ............**