Focus on valves in blast probe

NEW valves and their installation at the Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) plant near Somerset West where eight people were killed were queried yesterday, as the public inquiry into the 2018 explosion continued.

The inquiry was expected to continue today, but was postponed until July to call more witnesses.

The spotlight was yesterday put on whether or not it was necessary to change a butterfly valve, as well as the process of installing the replacement mucon valve at N16 – the affected building.

Four witnesses – mechanical engineer Michael Roberts, technical assistant Charl Roux, fitter Vernon Johannes and maintenance supervisor Brent Bennet – testified on the technicalities of installation as well as the designing of an adapter for the mucon valve.

Roux said that the reason that the butterfly valve was changed was because it was “difficult to operate”.

“Possible solutions were discussed and the best option was a mucon-type valve.”

Roux said that the valve was ordered from England, and it was not tested at RDM as the company relied on information given by the supplier that it had been tested.

“There was no problem fitting it. It was done by maintenance fitters,” he said.

Roux was then asked if a risk assessment was done, and he responded that it was “not always necessary”.

“I don't think one was conducted in changing the valves.”

Inquiry chair Mpumzi Dyulete asked if an electricity conductivity test was done when the adapter was fitted between the valve and blender.

Johannes said: “I can say that it was safely installed. There was no electrician at the time of installation.”

He said that he had some concerns at the beginning regarding some loose screws, but they were later put to rest by his superior as of no cause for concern.

Roberts also testified on his part as the designer of the adapter to connect the valve with the blender.