1 dead, 3 burned from compressed gas cylinder accident...

Compressed gas cylinders of all sorts and sizes are located in our facilities on a daily basis. Installing and replacing gas of these cylinders should be done by trained personnel. If a compressed gas cylinder tips over, causing the valve block to be sheared off, the rapid release of high-pressure gas may cause the cylinder to be violently accelerated, potentially causing property damage, injury, or death. Here is a recent incident emphasizes the need for compressed gas cylinder safety.

One person has died while three others have suffered critical injuries in what is reportedly a freak nitrogen cylinder blast at an aluminium dye casting unit in India one afternoon during the week of March 3, 2014. The injured workers were rushed to a nearby private hospital and underwent treatment. The fatal victim was killed on the spot after suffering a massive injury to his abdomen. Residents immediately informed the emergency services including police and fire services. The victims were taken to the hospital in a private vehicle according to residents to ensure quick medical help for the injured.

"One person was killed in the nitrogen cylinder blast while three are being treated for their injuries," said the local Police Commissioner.

The incident occurred at a private aluminium casting unit manufacturing smaller components of nozzles and spares used in automobile components. There were four workers inside the unit when the workers were reportedly trying to refill the nitrogen cylinder of the hydraulic dye casting machine. The highly pressurised cylinder burst and in its impact the asbestos sheets on the roof suffered damage.

"We have seven employees including one engineer working at our unit. I have been running this unit for the past 10 years," said the owner of the unit. 

The deceased worker has been identified and had joined the unit about a month ago. He was residing in a nearby city and is survived by his wife and two children. His three colleagues are undergoing medical treatment at the moment. 

"Initially, we thought it could have been an LPG cylinder blast as LPG and acetylene torches are used for welding purposes. But it was later confirmed that it was highly pressurised nitrogen cylinder and it was pushed back with huge force and we suspect the victims were trying to refill it," said the local District Fire Officer.

According to a nearby resident near the ill-fated unit, a huge blast was heard between 3.45 and 4 pm when the incident occurred. They rushed to the spot and saw the deceased lying in a pool of blood while the remaining three were struggling for their life. Senior police officials visited the spot and local police have registered a case and have begun initial investigation.

"All three injured are conscious and under observation. One worker has suffered 50 to 60 percent burn injuries while another worker has about 10 percent burn injury. The third worker has suffered 70 percent burn injuries," said the Head of the Department of General Surgery at a local trauma hospital.

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog offers our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased worker. The deceased worker was on the job for less than one month.

The APSB prays that the injured workers recover from both their injuries both physically and mentally.

Complacency among workers regarding safety of compressed gas cylinders is a common complaint. For whatever reason, some workers fail to recognize the potential energy that is stored in a compressed cylinder. Here is a video showing what could occur if the valve block is sheared off.

Occupational Safety & Heath Administration (OSHA) has an informative slide show presentation on compressed gas safety which can be downloaded here.

In addition here is an informative compressed gas cylinder safety video:

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