A chemical plant in China exploded due to failure of adhering to health and safety regulations by the management of the factory. This caused 6 people to become hospitalised.
Huang Yi, spokesman for the State Administration of Work Safety, said that "the bosses of the Goure PX Plant chose the cheapest bidder to build the facility at the expense of safety". He said a "furnace was too close to storage tanks, so when unspecified materials leaked into the furnace because of a broken tube, the blast tore into a tank and caused the fire. (source: Fox News).
Huang Yi, spokesman for the State Administration of Work Safety, said that "the bosses of the Goure PX Plant chose the cheapest bidder to build the facility at the expense of safety". He said a "furnace was too close to storage tanks, so when unspecified materials leaked into the furnace because of a broken tube, the blast tore into a tank and caused the fire. (source: Fox News).
File photo. Villagers go about their local religious practice near the site of the explosion.
This is the worst thing that could happen whilst dealing with storing chemicals. The management should be adhering to the basics, like keeping chemicals away from fire and checking regularly for leaks. All organisations are required to stick to COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) guidelines regardless of their industry. Would having a chemical store container have helped?
How would we have stored them? Well firstly, we would make sure that the containers are kept away from any source of fire. Stores can be made fire proof, which would have helped a little with this situation. Stores can also be ventilated and dry. Vents are installed to all chemical stores to stop a build-up of chemicals in the air inside the container. A bunded floor is a great way to collect fluids, to stop them from spreading. The standard wooden floor is replaced by a bund to collect leaks, drips and spills. The container walls, roof and doors can be lines to create a stronger shell. Any fluids collected are emptied via a drainage sump.
Although all these extra accessories will help to keep your chemicals safe; it is also important that you regularly check and maintain your chemicals. Also, if you buy a fireproof chemical store, we still wouldn’t recommend putting it by the fire!
How would we have stored them? Well firstly, we would make sure that the containers are kept away from any source of fire. Stores can be made fire proof, which would have helped a little with this situation. Stores can also be ventilated and dry. Vents are installed to all chemical stores to stop a build-up of chemicals in the air inside the container. A bunded floor is a great way to collect fluids, to stop them from spreading. The standard wooden floor is replaced by a bund to collect leaks, drips and spills. The container walls, roof and doors can be lines to create a stronger shell. Any fluids collected are emptied via a drainage sump.
Although all these extra accessories will help to keep your chemicals safe; it is also important that you regularly check and maintain your chemicals. Also, if you buy a fireproof chemical store, we still wouldn’t recommend putting it by the fire!
Blog Post Written By Jessica Archer at Lion Containers (Chemical Stores) Ltd.
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