The use of various gases in our plants is commonplace. The
accidental release of these gases is not. That is where the importance of
detection and immediate response is imperative. Here is a recent incident
emphasizing the importance of
An incident occurred one morning during the week of November 4th
2018, on the site of an aluminum foundry in Europe. A major sulfur dioxide leak
occurred.
Around 8:30, it is one of the employees who gave the warning by
passing in front of a technical room of distribution of gas from which emitted
a strong odor. In the small building of 10 m², a seal on pump leaked, causing the escape of sulfur dioxide (SO2) was
strongly odorous.
Quickly the firemen of two nearby towns went on the spot. A
total of about twenty firefighters and six machines. The rescuers have
completed the conservatory measures carried out by the gas manufacturer,
particularly with the closure of various valves.
According to the press release, the problem of the disaster is
concentrated essentially on the aluminium foundry premises. The situation has
stabilized since 9:30 am on Tuesday. No injuries are to be reported.
Around 11:15, the manager of the aluminium foundry, sent his 40
employees home except for a few administrative staff.
"The concentration did not present a danger to
public health, said the the commander of relief operations the following
day.
We are glad that no one was injured in this incident. If this was a different
gas, such as argon or chorine the results could have been catastrophic. It is
these near miss incidents that should force all companies to look upon itself. Plant
management should ask:
- Does your plant use gases in their processes?
- If yes, are the gases hazardous?
- If yes, what is the plan if an accidental release has occurred?
- Have you had drills simulating accidental gas release?
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