November 29, 2006

Jury calls for clear standpipe safety protocols

BRIAN BAKER

staff writer

Four major recommendations were offered by the jury at an inquest into the Aug. 22, 2002 death of a 52 year-old plumber.

Enrico Caringi sustained injuries from a standpipe that was being removed from a pressurized piping system.

The accidental blunt force trauma was under close observation when presented to the jury at the coroner’s inquest Oct. 3 to 5.

Recommendations made by the jury as a result of the evidence were:

• Plumbers should be regularly reminded of dangers inherent in working with pipes under pressure. Any worker repairing or altering any pipe or piping system must confirm that it is safe before proceeding with the repair or alteration.

• The study and implementation of safety protocols to ensure that the minimum safety standards as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act be met.

• During construction, all standpipes are fitted at the upper most end with a safety device, comprised of a valve designed to release any pressure in the standpipe and a visual aid in the form of a gauge designed to measure the pressure.

• Devices with valve and gauge on standpipes shall be an industry standard practice.

The jury came to their conclusions to prevent similar deaths from occurring and that even experienced workers may become complacent to the dangers associated with their work.

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