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April 9, 2011

Hot work incident and hydrogen peroxide fire

An accident during a hot work has claimed the life of one person in the USA. It is reported that hot work was going on a pipeline containing coal tar solvent when the explosion occurred. Make sure that your equipment are free of flammables before you allow any hot work.Read the news article and see the video in this link.
Thanks to Abhay Gujar for sending information on a hydrogen peroxide fire in Australia.About 1000 L of H2O2 apparently caught fire in this incident. See this link.
A good write up on the hazards of Hydrogen peroxide by Solvay Chemicals is given in this link The write up mentions the following
"Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant,and improper handling or use of the product can create potential hazards. For example:
• If hydrogen peroxide solutions come in contact with eyes, severe injury or even blindness can result.
• Hydrogen peroxide will irritate and possibly cause chemical and/or thermal burns on the skin.
• Ingestion may be fatal.
• Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide generates heat and gas which can result in rapid pressure buildup leading to pressure bursts of inadequately vented containers.
• Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can generate sufficient heat and oxygen to initiate combustion of ignitable materials.
• Oxygen enrichment of hydrocarbon vapors resulting from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can result in vapor phase explosions.
• Hydrogen peroxide can form explosive mixtures with some organic substances.
Hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is noncombustible. If involved in a fire, it may decompose, yielding oxygen that supports combustion. Decomposition in confined spaces may result in pressure burst. If involved in a fire, keep containers cool by spraying with water. For fire fighting, use only water; do not use other extinguishing agents. Keep upwind and operate from a safe distance. Firefighters should wear full personal protective equipment (bunker gear) and SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus)".

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