"explosion... 6 workers injured"

The storage of compressed gases in our aluminium plants is commonplace. The hazard associated with  of these compressed cylinders is many times overlooked. Here is a recent incident emphasizing the hazard of compressed gas at our workplaces. 

A large nitrogen gas tank exploded at an industrial complex in South Korea, and six workers were injured. The impact of the explosion was so great that a nearby vehicle was destroyed and a nearby factory was also damaged.

 

An aluminum processing plant in the South Korea, a large 3.5-ton nitrogen gas tank outside the building explodes with a loud roar. The exterior wall of the factory collapsed in an instant in a shock as if it had been dropped by a bomb. The explosion happened yesterday (the 6th) around 7:30 in the morning,

[Explosion witness: There was a bang, and the sound was huge. Then, white powder covered the whole thing, so I couldn't see it.]

As you can see, the scene is a miserable situation. The factory building was completely destroyed, leaving only bare skeletons, and vehicle damage followed. A sign that has fallen out of the factory is placed above one of the cars. In the accident, a total of six people were injured, including two workers staying at the factory at the time of the explosion and two foreign workers from an adjacent plant. Fortunately, it is known that there are no serious injuries. It was found that at least four adjacent factory exterior walls, furniture, and 10 vehicles were damaged. It is known that the factory where the accident occurred recently installed basic facilities such as a nitrogen gas tank that exploded this time while moving the office building. The police said they plan to investigate the cause of the accident, including whether there was a problem with the gas tank installation process through a joint investigation.

We pray that the injured workers recover fully from their injuries. We have reported on numerous incidents involving small pressure vessels (welding tank size) that explode during transport into an aluminium plant. The one issue that will be investigate is the location of the pressure vessel in this explosion. We have observed many times that the placement of large pressure vessels at aluminium plants are close to offices, breakrooms, etc. Just as we repeated recommended regarding placing dust collectors away from a building. Pressure vessels should not be next to a building either given the option to place it farther away.

When we learn more information on this incident, we will post an update.

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