Sulfur dioxide leaks force 40 workers to evacuate foundry

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 4^th 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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