Cutting a huge pipe while straddling it - GIF

[Jon]

Cutting a huge pipe while straddling it.




0:25 second video:

Previously:


Pipe flange spreading tool - GIF
Pipe scrub nozzle - GIF
Pulling a tee from a pipe - video
Culvert jet for pipe cleaning - video
One-man concrete pipe unloading onto tires - GIF
Pipe stretcher - photo
Track torch for cutting pipe - GIF
Cryo-freezing a 14" water main pipe - video
Friction welding drill pipe for oil exploration
Trenchless V-plow pipe layer

[Frank S]

That will make you draw your bits up into your stomach

[jdurand]

I've seen people have that happen with trees.

[mlochala]

Wasn't quite an 8 second ride...

[Frank S]

Wasn't quite an 8 second ride...

Yep he didn't have a good grip on the bull rope

[IAMSatisfied]

He acted like it was no big deal... "I'm good"... first thing he does after landing on the ground was grab the torch and shut it down. Good thing his chin and face weren't split open.

[Frank S]

We had a 12 inch pipe destroy a $1,500.00 Mathey pipe cutting machine once doing the very same thing that that guy had happen to him

[Ralphxyz]

Would a little thinking have prevented this?

[Frank S]

Would a little thinking have prevented this?

Possibly, It is hard to tell which way a large pipe may move when cut loose due to the difference in the temperature when cut versus that when installed plus the amount of years worth of pressure changes from a product being pumped through it can create stress imbalance in the pipeline.
If a section is being cut out for a branch line install or a valve install most inspectors will not allow dogging off the line with welded plates Chain alignment clamps might be used by placing one on each side of where the cut is going to be then cut under the alignment dogging plates, but if there is an extreme high contained stress once the final cut is done the pipe may rip the clamps right off sending projectiles in many directions.
If using a Machine torch to cut the pipe then no clamping is possible because the torch would need a clear path all the way around the pipe.
When cutting by hand it is far more preferable to cut from 3 to 6 then 8 to 6 then 12 to 3 and last cut 12 to 8 this way you will be off to the side of the pipe and not sitting on top. But if there are any horizontal elbows in the pipe you would want to call the 8 o" clock position to the inside of the elbow plus stand to the side with the shortest distance to the elbow that way the longer section is free to fling away from you.
Any way you look at it there can be some hidden dangers that you con not foretell

[Toolmaker51]

Not only large pipe has that ability. Before the re-roof of my building, I salvaged the warehouse lighting, wire and conduit [EMT]. Atop a 14' double ladder with handful of tools, the fixtures came down easily. Wire extracted easily as I rolled it up. Starting at the breaker box I loosened clamps and couplers of the riser and 3 branches, one at a time and lowered nice straight EMT to floor.
I can only guess what put so much load on one 10' section, it sprung loose wildly and cut my forehead open, allowing profuse bleeding. Precious bodily fluid obscured one eye, jerked tee-shirt off for impromptu bandaging, and descended ladder; VERY carefully. A quick cell call had first aid kit ready at home short distance away.
I wear bump cap or real hardhat doing most anything now. Some recommended I should have used my harness and suspension because working overhead on a ladder.
Had I, occurs to me might have bled to death.