December 1, 2017

Hot in Cold equals Explosion!


A hot aqueous process stream was wrongly directed to a tank full of cold hydrocarbon. The heat input from the aqueous stream caused rapid vaporisation of the hydrocarbon which then over-pressured the tank and caused a failure of the roof seam.

November 28, 2017

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE POISONING DURING PLANT SHUTDOWN



One worker died due to inhalation of H2S while trying to take out a safety valve for maintenance. It was later determined that he removed the flange bolts of the wrong relief valve and he was working without a permit. His supervisor had pointed to the safety valves (there were two of them at a height) and told him to remove one. He assumed the worker knew which valve to open.