The use of scrap as
a source of raw material is commonplace throughout our industry. But, the grade
of scrap companies’ use vary. With that variety the hazard increase in many
ways. Here is an example of what can happen when use low grade scrap.
The events
occurred at 11:30 one morning during the last week in January 2020 in aluminium
company in Latin America.
According to the first reports, the furnace that melts aluminum was
overheated and the workers when trying to suffocate it suffered burns.
Civil Protection elements of local
state government came to the aid and stifled the flames.
The injured were
identified as four workers, who were taken to the local hospital, with
first-degree burns in various parts of the body.
Apparently the causes that caused the
incident were caused by human error.
We pray that the injured workers recover fully from their injuries.
There is much of this incident that remains unknown. We are in the process of
reaching out to this company and will update with any information.
What is known is that this company has had repeated explosions.
Though the news media article above states that furnace “overheated”. Other
news media report that an explosion took place. We confirmed that with our
industry contacts in that area. We also learned that this plant has had numerous
explosion prior to this incident where four workers were injured. That scenario
where previous explosions leads to a larger explosion has historical precedent.
Too many companies have been blown up, too many workers have been injured or
killed at companies who fail to find out why explosions are occurring.
It appear that this company use low grade scrap that may contain oil
as a charging source. Which can be done with the proper equipment and
machinery. It appears that this company does not have the proper equipment nor
the proper procedures to handle charging oil scrap safely. Why? This is atleast
the 4th recent explosion that this company has suffered.
One explosion is too many, two explosions means your processes are
incorrect and need to be immediately researched to find out how to prevent
explosions from occurring. When you investigate almost every large catastrophic
explosion in the past you will find that each company had suffered through a
series of explosions. With every explosion growing in ferocity and damage.
Almost everyone. What you soon realize is the common trait of these companies
is their failure to either acknowledge the seriousness of the issue or failure to
properly investigate each explosion. If your company feels that explosions are
just a nature of production, you are wrong! Dead wrong.
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