On Monday, December 13, a serious accident occurred to a WRD field employee during pressure filtration of a water sample using compressed nitrogen. Preliminary information indicates that too much pressure was fed to the plexiglas filtration assembly which resulted in a violent rupture of the device. A retaining ring from the assembly struck the employee in the face and caused the loss of an eye.
Hoses are in good condition and connections to assembly are properly installed.
Suitable pressure regulators are used. Pressure tanks are securely tied down or mounted in the vehicle. Please bring this memorandum to the attention of all personnel involved in the collection or processing of water-quality samples.