Summary: A worker was taking a sample from a cyclone unit on an exploration drill rig when a noise was heard. The unit cap struck the worker after it was ejected from a small air receiver mounted at the rear of the drill rig.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should conduct thorough service and inspection activities prior to returning equipment to service. Service points and connections subject to vibration of compressed air systems should be checked and installed in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, such as torque specifications, lubrication, thread locking and sealing compounds.
