Need another reason to be careful when welding?

This happened in New Zealand, but it's got implications for anyone who handles a welder...

The country's Labour Department decided that an explosion at Kaitaia College that injured seven people was due to problems in the school's hazard management processes. The blast injured a teacher and seven kids in a metalworking room earlier this year. Luckily, despite fractures and other injuries, nobody was killed.

The department's report says ignition of leaking acetylene gas was the most likely cause of the explosion.

It says members of the teaching staff attempted to raise issues about the condition of the welding equipment. But the report says that due to failures in the reporting process, there was nothing to indicate the school board or principal were aware of the extent of the potential hazard.

So think about that, as you work either at home or at the office. Your stuff is as important as your techniques. Take care of both.