Staff at Port Macquarie–Hastings Council have drawn on their knowledge and expertise to find an innovative solution to the potential problems and risks when using, transporting and storing Oxy Acetylene equipment.
The equipment is primarily used by the water division to construct the copper pipework associated with the installation of water services and water meters.
A review by Council highlighted the potential safety risks associated with the storage and use of this equipment.
“After highlighting the problems and risks with the storage and usage of Oxy Acetylene equipment, together with the urgent need to update and improve existing workplace practices and activities, our staff have now identified and implemented a totally new approach to this work area,” said Water Supply Manager Murray Thompson.
Water Supply Services and Maintenance Coordinator Bob Palmer, and Water Supply Attendant Ken Barker investigated a new procedure – Press-Fit Joining System for Copper Pipes. It is now being introduced from Europe to water and gas industries in Australia.
This is a hydraulic cold joining system, that eliminates the need for Oxy Acetylene equipment for most of the copper pipework activities undertaken by Council staff.
“We will still need to use Oxy Acetylene from time to time, but most of our routine installations and repairs can now be undertaken with the new joining system,”
Murray Thompson said.
Many advantages of the new joining system include the following:
- ease of use
- elimination of gas or flames in confined spaces removal of gas cylinders or hoses from the
footpath - reducing the need to dig up footpaths and
paving to carry out work - more efficient repairs to customer services
A number of the new tools and new copper fittings have been purchased and provided to water supply maintenance crews in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas.
For more information contact Murray Thompson on (02) 6581 8111.
