Alert
  • Published: 3 Apr 2017
  • Incident ID: 4046

Valve Handle Fell from Valve Stem

Cause & Consequence

  • Moving, flying or falling object
  • Other

Other Cause & Consequence

Loose or missing primary securing method

Contributing Factor

  • Change management

Description of Process

Movement of manual valve by operator

Description of Incident

During the movement of a manually operated valve the operator moved the valve handle from the horizontal to vertical position. At this point the handle slid from the valve stem and fell to the ground.

There was no injury or asset damage as a result of this event.

The handle is made of straight stainless tube and is usually secured within the valve stem by two grub screws.

It is believed that the grub screws either became loose from vibration or were never adequately secured on installation.

Good Practice Guidance

All valves of the same or a similar design were identified and grub screws were re-tightened or replaced.

All handles also had a bolt installed either side of the stem as a method of secondary securement to prevent the handle slipping through the stem in the event of the grub screws failing.

Contact Details

Mike Ewen, H&S Manager, ENGIE E&P UK Limited

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