The origin of our industry’s emphasis on safety can be traced to a horrific
molten metal explosion that occurred at Reynolds Aluminium in Muscle Shoals,
Alabama in September 11, 1967. From that one incident the aluminum companies
back then under the direction of the Aluminum Association (USA) work together
to research molten metal explosions. That cooperation between competitors back
then was in many ways unprecedented. Insiders have said that the goal of making
their companies, their plants and ultimately our industry safer was the focus.
That effort had resulted in a better understanding of why molten metal explosions
occur and how to mitigate them. Since then our industry has worked together on
other safety issues most notably involving the testing of clothing fabric. This
recent incident illustrates what can occur when a molten metal explosions occurs.
Reinforcing the continued need for vigilance and the need for molten metal
safety training in all plants that have this hazard.
Hundreds of workers covering the first turn in at least
three companies in the industrial corridor located in a Mexican city were
evacuated this afternoon after an explosion inside an aluminum company had
occurred.
Unofficial reports from eyewitnesses mentioned that it
was the explosion of one of the ovens, but that has not yet been confirmed by
any authority.
The blast threw molten material into the air and hit the
ceiling soffit of the company that immediately caught fire and spread flames
over all the workers, who were evacuated immediately.
Civil Protection of the municipality reported no dead or
injured people after the incident which caused a huge column of smoke could be
seen from kilometers.
The possibility that other companies will reach the fire
forced rescue workers to evacuate two other nearby business, approximate
figures estimated the eviction of at least a thousand workers.
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The fire in the
aluminium company, mobilized three city fire squads, also caused the evacuation
of more than 400 workers in nearby companies to avoid further risks, because in
an oven made of cast aluminum reaction with the oil mixture to register an
explosion causing the fire that destroyed the roof of the factory, so the huge
column of smoke was viewed at a distance.
The report was received
on Civil Protection and local fire department at 3:00 pm, to go fast attack
unit, who saw the great column of smoke rising from the roof of the aluminum
company, company responsible for smelting aluminum.
Deployed police and
firefighters
The local director of
Civil Protection, said the accident in the company came because the melting
aluminum is recycled, but it contained too much oil and that raised the
temperature in the oven.
Because the oven has
exhaust gases, he said, had contact with oxygen (air) so the flame originated,
but as he reached the ceiling and as the latter has acrylic, which was burned
by that the large plume of smoke alerted the public.
He said this incident
safety protocols were activated to extend the security perimeter of 800 meters
around, with the support of their counterparts in two nearby towns, adding 60
persons, including three corporations, in addition to that used three pumps 300
thousand liters each to extinguish the blaze.
He said he also had the
support of three local companies, even bringing their ambulances to care for
those in need, noting that no injuries or intoxication were reported, but
despite that it was necessary to evacuation of nearby companies.
Note the presence of
Border police forces, the State Police and Investigative Police and GATE's, who
remained on the lookout, although there was no need to evacuate the residents
of nearby colonies.
It was 4:30 pm when it
was declared safe to proceed to reenter the aluminium company by the Fire department,
the aluminium workers, who chose to remain around this factory, returned for
their belongings because the work was suspended.
The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog chose not to
mention the company name nor location due to inconsistent reports of whether or
not an explosion occurred. We believe an explosion occurred possibly from scrap
contamination. We are thankful no one was injured in this incident. We hope
that the aluminium company can repair the damage to the facility and any equipment
and resume production quickly.
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