XN000022-1973-03-27 — Page 13

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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 ............**