Explosions - 1,519 entries found

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2002

CIS 06-9
Health and Safety Executive
Is it explosive? Dangers of explosives in metal recycling
This leaflet is aimed at persons who handle or process metals intended for recycling and which may contain explosive products. It explains how to determine if explosives are still present and provides guidance on the precautions that need to be taken to prevent explosives entering the metal recycling process and to avoid injury should any suspicious items be encountered. Includes a poster summarizing the general precautions to be taken if suspicious items are found.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Feb. 2002. 6p. Illus. 6 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg335.pdf [in English]

CIS 05-683 Hopkins A.
Lessons from Longford: The trial
This special issue details the legal consequences of the explosion at a gas plant in 1998 in Longford, near Melbourne, Australia, and in particular the criminal trial which took place in 2001 which ruled that the operator of the plant had failed in its duty of care to its employees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 (CIS 88-1751). Topics covered: introduction; the charges; the company's defence; sentencing; learning from Longford; new bill on corporate manslaughter; conclusion. The complete sentence is included in an appendix.
Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Dec. 2002, Vol.18, No.6, p.1-72 (whole issue). Bibl.ref. Index.

CIS 03-1035 Health and Safety - The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 [United Kingdom]
These Regulations impose requirements for the purpose of eliminating or reducing risks to safety from fires, explosions and other events arising from the hazardous properties of dangerous substances at work. They implement in Great Britain the provisions of Directives 98/24/EC (CIS 98-1094) and 99/92/EC (CIS 00-1523). Contents: interpretation; scope (excludes ships, substances used during medical treatment, use of gas appliances burning gaseous fuel, gas fittings, handling and transport of explosives and chemically unstable substances, mining and quarrying activities, borehole sites, offshore installations, most transportation activities); duties of employers; risk assessment; elimination and reduction of risks from dangerous substances; classification and requirements of places where explosive atmospheres may occur; arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies; information, instruction and training; identification of hazardous contents of containers and pipes. In schedules: general safety measures; classification of places where explosive atmospheres may occur; criteria for the selection of equipment and protective systems; sample warning sign for explosive atmospheres. A large number of older regulations are repealed or modified.
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 2002. (Also: TSO Online Bookshop, http://www.tso.co.uk/bookshop/). 20p. Illus. Price: GBP 3.50.
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022776.htm [in English]

CIS 03-847
Health and Safety Executive
The safe use and handling of flammable liquids
This booklet provides information on the fire and explosion hazards associated with flammable liquids and describes practical measures to protect workers. It is aimed at persons directly responsible for the safe use and handling of flammable liquids in all general work activities and in small-scale chemical processing, as well as at safety specialists and industry associations. Contents: scope; hazards; precautions; sources of ignition; ventilation; health precautions; maintenance; housekeeping; disposal of flammable liquids; information and training; general fire precautions; emergency procedures. Appendices include: legal requirements; fire-resisting structures; hazardous area classification.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. viii, 66p. Illus. 81 ref. Price: GBP 8.50.

CIS 03-374 Zimmermann M., Maqueda J., Almodóvar A., de la Orden V., Tejedor M., Hervás P., de Vicente M.A., Arévalo A.
Analysis of occupational accidents caused by explosion and fire
Análisis de accidentes de trabajo producidos por explosiones e incendios [in Spanish]
Data on occupational accidents due to explosions (n=734) and fires (n=665) that occurred in Spain in 1999 are analysed. Among occupational accidents due to explosions, 76 had serious consequences and eight were fatal. As for occupational accidents due to fires, 48 had serious consequences and eight were fatal. Tables present statistical data by causal agent, by province, as a function of the time in the day and by sector of activity.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2002, No.20, p.22-34. Illus.

CIS 03-373 Bastide J.C., Petit J.M.
Explosions
Les explosions [in French]
During the period 1990-1999, the number of victims per year of explosions at the workplaceplace remained stable. On average, 320 accidents involving lost time from work occurred every year, of which 60 were severe cases (5 fatalities). For the years 1997-1999, compensation costs (excluding material damages) of occupational accidents involving explosions were estimated at EUR 17.3 million. Several tables present these accident data by year, type, location and nature of injury, and by industrial sector.
Travail et sécurité, Sep. 2002, No.621, p.41-44. Illus.

CIS 03-367 Seillan H., Vasseron P., Dupuis M.C.
Industrial hazards
Les risques industriels [in French]
Topics addressed in this collection of articles on major hazards: comment by the Director of the French Department of Pollution and Hazard Prevention; study by the French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development presenting the list of technological accidents which occurred in 2002 (overall data, sources of information, types of occurrences, sectors of the economy affected, main classes of chemicals involved, consequences, trends in fatal accidents in France); interview with a responsible person from the French service concerned with the industrial environment; field report in a locality having experienced an important industrial fire close to a "Seveso"-classified facility; consultation and communication using geographic information systems (GISs).
Préventique-Sécurité, Sep.-Oct. 2002, No.65, p.4-39. Illus.

CIS 03-366 Donaldson T.
Electrostatic hazards
The discharge of static electricity is a cause of many industrial accidents, particularly in the chemical and process industries where solvents or other flammable or explosive materials are often present in large quantities. This special issue on electrostatic hazards presents several brief case studies and short communications on topics including: safety of air-driven lamps used in hazardous areas; electrostatic hazards of pouring powdered chemicals into vessels; case of a flash fire during filling of an flexible intermediate bulk container; case of a fire at a gas processing plant; loss of a radioactive static eliminator device in a plastics processing plant.
Loss Prevention Bulletin, June 2002, No.165, p.3-17. Illus.

CIS 03-43 Safety and Health at Work (Minimum Requirements for the Protection of Persons at Work from Risks from Explosive Atmospheres) Regulations of 2002 [Cyprus]
Oi perí Asfáleias kai Ugeías stēn Ergasía (Eláhistes Apaitḗseis gia tēn Prostasía tōn Prosṓpōn stēn Ergasía apó Kindúnous apó Ekrḗximes Atmósfaires) Kanonismoí tou 2002 [in Greek]
These regulations were issued under the authority of the 1996 Act concerning safety and health at work (see CIS 98-5), as modified by 2002. Implementation in Cyprus of the provisions of Directive 1999/92/EC concerning the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (see CIS 00-1523).
Episêmos Efêmeris tês Dêmokratias, 21 June 2002, No.3612, p.2847-2860. Illus.

CIS 02-1868 Walker G., Fairburn J., Fay H.
Health and Safety Executive
Analysis of the impact of proposed changes to separation distances for Mode A registered premises holding HT4 fireworks
Under proposed new legislation, it is intended that premises holding between 200-250kg of fireworks will have to maintain a 5m separation distance to third party buildings and 2.5m to footpaths and roads. In order to investigate the extent of any problems for existing premises in complying with this requirement, a sample of premises storing fireworks was selected from across 39 local authorities. The premise owners were contacted by telephone in order to obtain information on fireworks storage and separation distances. For the 102 premises for which information could be obtained, 23 were found to hold below 200kg of fireworks and therefore did not need a separation distance. Of the remaining 79 premises, 76% had existing separation greater than required; 10% could comply with the separation distance after moving their existing store or reducing inventories; and 14% (11 sites) declared having a problem with compliance that the owners felt could not be satisfactorily resolved.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. iv, 7p. Illus. 2 ref. Price: GBP 5.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr041.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1526 Decree No.2002-1554 of 24 Dec. 2002 concerning explosion prevention measures that must be observed by building contractors during the construction of workplaces and modifying Chapter V of Part III of Book II of the Labour Code (2nd part: Decrees by the Council of State) [France]
Décret n 2002-1554 du 24 décembre 2002 relatif aux dispositions concernant la prévention des explosions que doivent observer les maîtres d'ouvrage lors de la construction des lieux de travail et modifiant le chapitre V du titre III du livre II du code du travail (deuxième partie : Décrets en Conseil d'Etat) [France] [in French]
These modifications of the French Labour Code were introduced in order to conform with the provisions of Directive 99/92/EC (see CIS 00-1523) concerning the protection of workers against the dangers of explosion. Building contractors engaged in the construction of facilities to be used as workplaces must include explosion protection measures prescribed by Decree No.2002-1553 in the design and construction of such facilities (see CIS 02-1525).
Journal officiel de la République française, 29 Dec. 2002, Vol.134, No.303, p.21940-21941.
http://www.adminet.com/jo/20021229/SOCT0211902D.html [in French]

CIS 02-1525 Decree No.2002-1553 of 24 Dec. 2002 concerning explosion prevention measures applicable in workplaces and modifying Chapter II of Part III of Book II of the Labour Code (2nd part: Decrees by the Council of State) [France]
Décret n 2002-1553 du 24 décembre 2002 relatif aux dispositions concernant la prévention des explosions applicables aux lieux de travail et modifiant le chapitre II du titre III du livre II du code du travail (deuxième partie : Décrets en Conseil d'Etat) [France] [in French]
These modifications of the French Labour Code were introduced in order to conform with the provisions of Directive 99/92/EC (see CIS 00-1523) concerning the protection of workers against the dangers of explosion. The modifications involve improved protection against the formation of explosive atmospheres and of sparks potentially initiating an explosion. They also provide for improved protection of workers in case an explosion takes place.
Journal officiel de la République française, 29 Dec. 2002, Vol.134, No.303, p.21939-21940.
http://www.adminet.com/jo/20021229/SOCT0211901D.html [in French]

CIS 02-1842 Martel R., Sanfaçon G., Schnebelen M., Trépanier L., Lévesque B., Lavigne M.A., Boutin L.C., Gauvin D., Galarneau L., Auger P.
Evaluation of carbon monoxide produced during work with explosives
Evaluation de la production de monoxyde de carbone associée aux travaux aux explosifs [in French]
Carbon monoxide (CO) generated by explosives can migrate underground and accumulate in confined spaces. Over a five-year period in Quebec, there were a number of incidents where residents were strongly indisposed, and seven persons were sufficiently intoxicated to require hyperbaric treatment. This hazard is probably more widespread than is generally recognized, considering the lack of understanding of the problem, the insidious nature of CO poisoning and the large number of explosions (between 1000 and 1500) carried out each year in the course of civil engineering work in Quebec. This report includes the results of several studies: a retrospective study of CO poisonings based on data from various sources, a study on CO measurements carried out at construction sites using explosives and a study of various methods for limiting the propagation of CO in fractured rock in the vicinity of work with explosives. The main recommendations are aimed at civil engineering contractors and concern the implementation of procedures for limiting CO propagation. Certain appendices are available only in electronic version.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, Sep. 2002. iv, 41p. Illus. 10 ref. An electronic version of the report in PDF format is also included on a CD-ROM.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-314.pdf. [in French]

CIS 02-1867
Health and Safety Executive
Controlling risks around explosives stores: Review of the requirements on separation distances
Storage of more than 30kg of explosives in the United Kingdom requires a licence and the respect of minimum distances between the point of storage and neighbouring buildings. Recent trials carried out by the Ministry of Defence suggest that the quantity of debris generated by an explosion and the distance to which they would be projected could be considerably higher than what was previously thought. This report makes recommendations with respect to revised minimum distances that take the latest experimental data into account. Contents: risk models; estimating the number of fatalities; case studies; approach used for developing recommendations for new requirements on separation distances; other risk reduction measures; tables providing proposed distances as a function of the quantity of explosives stored and the density of the surrounding population.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. 75p. Illus. 14 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/content/misc/qdwgrep.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1410 Carol Llopart S.
Study of the accident that occurred in Toulouse on 21 September 2001
Estudio del accidente ocurrido en Toulouse el 21 de septiembre de 2001 [in Spanish]
This article describes the accidental explosion which occurred in Toulouse, France, on 21 September 2001 in an ammonium nitrate warehouse of a fertilizer plant. The explosion caused 29 fatalities and 650 injuries and was the most severe accident having occurred during the last 25 years in industrialized countries. The information on the cause of the accident not being available at the time of writing, the article reviews similar accidents, describes the physical and chemical properties of ammonium nitrate and analyses the mechanism of the reaction which probably caused the explosion. Finally, it presents a theoretical model of the consequences of accidents based on the explosion behaviour of trinitrotoluene (TNT).
Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2002, No.159, p.8-17. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 02-917 Wesch D.
Optical barrier curtains for preventing accidents during short preparation times
Lichtgitter verhindern Unfälle bei kurzen Rüstzeiten [in German]
This article describes the safety modifications made to equipment in a plastics processing enterprise. A new tilting support for moulds as well as a tilting mould enclosure unit were developed for reducing the required preparation times during product changes. To minimize the risk of being crushed during these operations, hazardous areas were protected by optical barrier curtains inclined at 30°. This inclination allows one to dispense with the horizontal barrier curtain that would normally be required to protect the operators when moving back.
Maschinenmarkt, Jan. 2002, No.1/2, p.32-33. Illus.

CIS 02-885 Dosne R.
Major industrial accident at the AZF site in Toulouse (I)
Catastrophe industrielle sur le site AZF de Toulouse (I) [in French]
Description of a major accident due to an explosion in a fertilizer plant in Toulouse, France, 21 September 2001, which resulted in 30 fatalities and 2200 injuries. The explosion occurred in an ammonium nitrate storage unit. The causes have not yet been established. The article covers the chronology of events during the first few hours after the accident, focussing on the efforts of emergency services, the evacuation and the sheltering of the disaster victims.
Face au risque, Feb. 2002, No.380, p.24-28. Illus.

CIS 01-1798 Barton J.
Dust explosion prevention and protection - A practical guide
Dust explosions can have potentially-fatal consequences when adequate safety measures are not in place. Dusts of many materials including coal, wood, rubber, pharmaceuticals and some metals can explode if they come into contact with an ignition source. This guide compiles the current best practices on measures to prevent dust explosions and protect plant and personnel. It revises and updates an earlier three-part guide (see CIS 86-8, 93-1322 and 93-1323) by incorporating legislative changes in the United Kingdom and the results of new research done over the past decade. Contents: background to dust explosions; determination of dust ignitability, flammability and explosibility characteristics; control of ignition; inerting; explosion containment; explosion suppression; explosion venting; explosion propagation; protection of pipelines and isolation techniques.
Institution of Chemical Engineers, 165-189 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 2002. xiv, 352p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: GBP 90.00.

2001

CIS 04-682 Seillan H., Repussard J., Cochet Y., Andurand R., Khéliff J., Cérézuelle D., Charbonneau S.
Toulouse - Special feature
Toulouse - Les données de la catastrophe [in French]
On the 21st of September 2001, a violent explosion occurred in a fertilizer plant in Toulouse, France, causing 21 deaths, hundreds of injuries and serious material damage. This special feature on the disaster consists of a collection of articles covering the following aspects: data on the disaster (details of the industrial site, the product involved, namely ammonium nitrate, damage caused); French and European regulations on nitrate and nitrogen-rich fertilizers; analysis and comments on the plant safety manuals; statements on industrial hazards by politicians; uses and hazards of ammonium nitrate, including short summaries of earlier disasters; changes resulting from this disaster.
Préventique-Sécurité, Nov.-Dec. 2001, No.60, p.4-32. Illus.

CIS 02-1863 Gressmann H.J.
"Small" BLEVEs can pose problems too!
Auch "kleine" BLEVEs können Probleme bereiten! [in German]
The training and instruction manuals for fire fighters in Germany specify the safe distances that are to be observed during interventions involving boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions (BLEVEs) as a function of the type of container. In the aftermath of a fire in the course of which 15 liquefied gas cylinders exploded, safe distances were compared with the spreading of the effects of past BLEVEs. These distances were compared with those to which parts were projected as well as with the distances over which the thermal effects of the produced fireballs and the overpressure could be felt. Using this approach resulted in much larger distances than the distances considered as safe for the four types of pressure vessels containing liquefied gas. The accepted safe distances should be reevaluated in the light of these findings. Revised safe distances for these types of interventions are proposed.
Brandschutz, June 2001, Vol.55, No.6, p.549-553. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 02-883 Gautam S.S., Saxena P.K.
Survey of criticality of risk from LPG storage tanks at user-sites in North India
LPG is stored and handled in liquefied form under pressure. LPG storage systems are spreading rapidly across India. The large inventories in bottling plants and at user industries have lead to anxiety among industrial workers, the neighbouring public and government authorities. This article presents the results of a survey of the potential damage that could result from gas explosions following accidental release at a number of industrial sites in North India.
INDOSHNEWS, Jan.-Mar. 2001, Vol.6, No.1, p.1-8. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 02-380 Survey: "Safety against fires in the enterprise. 2000"
Encuesta: "Seguridad contra incendios en la empresa. 2000" [in Spanish]
The purpose of this survey was to understand how enterprises manage fire hazards, the extent of training of personnel in fire safety, the type of installations available for fire fighting and the frequency with which these installations are maintained. A 101-item questionnaire was addressed to 1200 selected enterprises in all fields of activity. Results are presented in 10 tables. Only 4% of the enterprises have a fire service, and for the majority (55%), the management of fire hazards is the responsibility of the occupational safety and health services. There is a notable tendency towards automation of technical detection installations rather than towards using surveillance services. In 98% of the enterprises, maintenance is carried out by accredited companies. Finally, 90% of the enterprises surveyed have personal protection plans and 94% provide training to their personnel so that they can intervene in the event of a fire.
Mapfre seguridad, 4th Quarter 2001, Vol.21, No.84, p.19-29. Illus.

CIS 02-392
Health and Safety Executive
Hot work on vehicle wheels
This Information note describes the explosion hazards associated with the application of heat to the steel parts of a vehicle wheel to which a tyre is attached. It is stressed that under no circumstances should hot work such as welding or cutting be carried out on any wheel to which a tyre is fitted. Replaces CIS 93-293.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2001. 2p. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 01-1499 Fernández García J., Aguado Rodríguez P.J., Ayuga Téllez F.
Powder explosions in agricultural silos
Las explosiones de polvo en los silos agrícolas [in Spanish]
Agricultural products stored in silos generate dusts which, under certain conditions, may explode. Dust explosions are often major accidents, resulting in loss of life and important material damage. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the causes of dust accidents and the physical and chemical explosion risk factors, as well as prevention and protection measures. A method for calculating the surface of vents is presented. A table lists the major dust explosion accidents in the world between 1977 and 1998.
Mapfre seguridad, 2nd Quarter 2001, Vol.21, No.82, p.25-35. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 01-1380 Flour silos - Preventing fire and explosion hazards due to flour dust during storage operations
Silos farine - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières de farine lors du stockage [in French]
Dust generated during the storage of flour may cause fires or explosions. This booklet on preventing such accidents is aimed at persons working in industries involved with flour, including flour milling; biscuit manufacturing, confectionery and industrial bakery. Contents include: accident descriptions; causes of dust fires and explosions; hazard evaluation, including a description of high-risk zones within flour mills; implementing preventive measures.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., July 2001. 31p. Illus. 21 ref.

2000

CIS 08-276 Grain silos - Prevention of fire and explosion hazards from dust in storage operations
Silos grains - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières dans les opérations de stockage [in French]
The aim of this leaflet is to increase the risk awareness among persons involved in grain storage operations likely to give rise to dust that may cause a fire or an explosion. It includes the summaries of several such accidents.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Aug. 2000. 6p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://www.inrs.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_search_view/79BFE9AC962FCE32C1256CD9005110DD/$File/ed846.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1348 Guidelines for explosion protection - Situation 07/2000
Explosionsschutz-Regeln (EX-RL) - Stand 07/2000 [in German]
Update (loose leafs) of the guidelines for explosion protection (EX-RL) and of a series of examples intended as a basis for the evaluation of explosion hazards when potentially dangerous substances are used, and for the choice of protective measures. Definitions of technical terms and instructions for compliance with these guidelines are followed by the hazard evaluation criteria; questions which arise in connection with these problems are set out, with detailed answers. A large part of this loose-leaf compendium reviews protective measures: prevention or limitation of formation of explosive atmospheres; prevention of the ignition of explosive atmospheres; architectural measures aimed at limiting the effects of explosions; application of industrial process technical control measures; protection measures during repair work.
Werbe-Druck WINTER GmbH & Co. KG, Bücherstrasse 4, 69207 Sandhausen, 16. Ergänzung, Germany, 2000. 306p. 125 ref.

CIS 02-1876
Health and Safety Commission
Selection and use of explosion effects and consequence models for explosives
This document provides guidance on the selection and use of models to study the effects of explosions, for purposes of risk studies, emergency planning or specifying conditions which provide appropriate protection to people at work and the general public. Contents: definition of terms in the area of explosives and the effects of explosions; effects on buildings and other structures; modelling, prediction and practical considerations; list of close to 100 available tools and methodologies for modelling the effects of explosions.
HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2000. iv, 148p. lllus. 44 ref. Price: GBP 30.00.

CIS 02-1412 Lalung-Bonnaire J., Aumas M., Petit J.M.
LPG-powered industrial trucks - Prevention of fire/explosion risks
Chariots automoteurs au GPL - Prévention des risques incendie/explosion [in French]
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is increasingly used as a fuel for industrial trucks, in particular because of its lower level of polluting emissions when compared with those produced by diesel fuel. The objective of this practical information sheet is to present the safety principles to be followed to avoid fire or explosion risks due to the presence of LPG during maintenance or repair of LPG-powered trucks. Contents: hazards (leaks, bursting of tanks); safety measures to be followed during use; safety measures to be followed during maintenance work; preventive measures in the event of leaks or fires.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, no date. 4p. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 02-1416 Turmo Sierra E.
Protection against static discharges
Protección frente a cargas electrostáticas [in Spanish]
This information note covers the topic of static electricity, its hazards and the appropriate preventive measures. Contents: description of static electricity (formation, accumulation, dissipation and discharge); hazards due to static electricity (fire, explosion, discharge, electric shock); preventive measures (earthing, increasing the conductivity of materials or of ambient air, reducing the oxygen concentration or the speed at which the materials are conveyed, installing systems for protecting persons from static discharges, various means of reducing charges caused by contact).
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 8p. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 02-378 Fischer K.H.
Explosions and fires of fork-lift trucks powered by liquefied gas
Explosionen und Brände bei flüssiggasbetriebenen Gabelstaplern [in German]
Investigations of fires and explosions in the food industry in Germany involving LPG-powered fork-lift trucks identified the cause to be the faulty design of the carburettor pressure-regulating valve. As a consequence, the manufacturer changed the valve design; however this did not prevent the pressure build-up during short operations of the fork-lift trucks, considered to be the actual cause of the explosions and fires. This article describes the preventive measures as well as other design changes for avoiding these types of accidents.
Brandschutz, Nov. 2000, Vol. 54, No.11, p.986-990. Illus.

CIS 02-102 Introduction to chemical safety. Module IV - Chemical fires and explosions: Session 1
This booklet reviews the hazards of fires and explosions due to chemicals, and describes how to prevent them or limit their consequences. Main topics covered: hazardous substances (oxidants, flammable materials, combustible materials, explosives); measures aimed at limiting the risks; proper storage; safety training of operators; inspections; emergency procedures; alarms; first aid; exercises and test on the contents of the training module.
Industrial Accident Prevention Association, 2 Bloor Street West, 31st floor, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3N8, Canada, no date. 24p. Illus.

CIS 01-1381 Wood silos - Preventing fire and explosion hazards due to dust during storage operations
Silos bois - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières dans les installations de stockage [in French]
Dust present in ventilation and storage systems in the wood processing industry may cause fires or explosions. This booklet on preventing such accidents is aimed at persons involved in all wood and wood product processing industries. Contents include: accident descriptions; causes of dust fires and explosions; hazard evaluation; descriptions of ventilation and wood dust storage systems; check lists for implementing preventive measures at the design phase and during operations.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., Dec. 2000. 28p. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 01-1379 Sugar silos - Preventing fire and explosion hazards due to sugar dust during storage operations
Silos sucre - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières de sucre lors du stockage [in French]
Dust generated during the storage of sugar may cause fires or explosions. This booklet on preventing such accidents is aimed at persons in all industries involved with sugar, including producers, packaging companies, biscuit manufacturers, confectioners, chocolate producers, beverage manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Contents include: accident descriptions; causes of dust fires and explosions; hazard evaluation; types of sugar silos (horizontal, vertical); check lists for implementing preventive measures at the design phase and during operations.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., Dec. 2000. 32p. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 01-1378 Grain supply chain - Preventing fire and explosion hazards due to dust during storage operations
La filière grains - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières dans les opérations de stockage [in French]
Dust generated during the storage of grain may cause fires or explosions. This booklet on the prevention of such accidents is aimed at all persons who are involved with grain, including farmers, wholesalers, storage companies, drying personnel, exporters and external contractors or service providers. Contents include: accident descriptions; causes of dust fires and explosions; hazard evaluation; check lists for implementing preventive measures at the design phase and during operations.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., Dec. 2000. 40p. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 01-528 Preventing worker injuries and deaths from explosions in industrial ethylene oxide sterilization facilities
Between 1994 and 1998, ethylene oxide (EtO) was involved in 10 explosions at industrial sterilization facilities and EtO repackaging plants in the United States. One of these explosions caused one death and 59 injuries among workers. This booklet offers guidance to employers, managers, supervisors, safety professionals and workers on preventing EtO explosions in industrial sterilization facilities. Contents include: properties and health effects of EtO; description of the industrial sterilization process; possible causes of EtO explosions; current standards; case reports; recommendations for workers, employers and EtO manufacturers.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, Apr. 2000. 32p. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 00-1571
Health and Safety Executive
Hot work on small tanks and drums
There have been many fatalities caused by persons using welding torches or powered cutters on tanks or drums containing flammable material. Even very small residual quantities of flammable material in an otherwise empty container can cause an explosion. This booklet is aimed at persons who cut up or repair tanks, drums or other containers on fire and explosion hazards and risk reduction. Contents include: risk assessment; alternative methods of cutting; preparing tanks and drums for hot work.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Apr. 2000. 11p. Illus. 5 ref.

CIS 00-1423 Pilkington S.
British Materials Handling Board
Process vessels subject to explosion risk
Many industrial processes carry the risk of explosion if the process is not properly controlled and sources of ignition are present. A common precaution in such equipment is to provide an area of weakness, such as an explosion vent, to prevent the destruction of the plant in the event of an internal explosion. Experimental determination of the resistance of equipment to overpressure is possible, but this is a costly approach, in particular due to the damages caused. Consequently, it was useful to develop a mathematical approach to assess the pressure capability of weak process vessels. This publication includes some 30 equations applicable to shapes and features such as cylinders, plates, duct intersections and joints.
Institution of Chemical Engineers, Davis Building, 165-189 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3HQ, United Kingdom, 2000. viii, 76p. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 00-500 Pyrrole
Contents of this data sheet: hazards of pyrrole (highly flammable, fire and explosion risk, strong reaction with oxidizing compounds); physicochemical properties; precautions; fire fighting.
Fire Prevention, Feb. 2000, No.329, 2p. Insert. 9 ref.

CIS 00-499 Propyleneimine, inhibited
Contents of this data sheet: hazards of 2-methylaziridine (highly flammable, fire and explosion risk); physicochemical properties; precautions; fire fighting.
Fire Prevention, Jan. 2000, No.328, 2p. Insert. 10 ref.

1999

CIS 02-889
Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG)
Requirements applicable to machinery and equipment aimed at avoiding explosion hazards during the machining, processing, melting and casting of magnesium
Beschaffenheitsanforderungen für Maschinen und Einrichtungen zur Vermeidung von Brand- und Explosionsgefahren bei der Be- und Verarbeitung, beim Schmelzen und Gießen von Magnesium [in German]
This document reproduces the full text of the proposed guidelines of the Mutual Occupational Accident Insurance Association (HVBG) concerning fire and explosion protection measures applicable to equipment and machines for the machining, melting and casting of magnesium. Contents: definitions; chip removal machines with defined tool geometry (with or without refrigerated lubricant, miscible or non-miscible with water); chip removal machines with non defined tool geometries; sanding machines; machines and rigs for foundry and casting; fire-fighting equipment; control and locking of machines.
Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburgerstrasse 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Apr. 1999. 25p.

CIS 01-1497 Jarry J.
Dust explosions
Explosions de poussières [in French]
Since the explosion of a silo in 1997 in Blaye, France, the French ministry responsible for the environment has been focussing its actions on explosions of food products (cereals, cocoa beans, sugar, flour and powdered milk). However, an analysis of actual accident occurrences shows that under certain conditions, products such as plastic material dust, pigments, aspirin, coal, carbon black and wood dust can give rise to explosions that are potentially more serious than those involving food products. Topics covered include: mechanisms of dust explosions; research; hazard evaluation methods; accidents having occurred in France; case descriptions (silo explosion in Blaye, explosion in a painting cabin, safety features in sugar storage at a sugar manufacturer); hazard prevention; standards and regulations in France and in the European Union.
Face au risque, Apr. 1999, No.352, p.39-45. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 01-532 Johannsmeyer U., Krämer M.
Interconnection of intrinsically safe, non-linear and linear power circuits
Zusammenschaltung nichtlinearer und linearer eigensicherer Stromkreise [in German]
When connecting power circuits in series or in parallel in environments with explosion risks, it is necessary to test the intrinsic safety of the resulting network. A simple test method applicable to cases in which adequate test equipment or computing expertise for finding the safe operating limits are not available is presented. The method uses a set of characteristic diagrams into which equipment parameters such as the internal impedance are graphically entered. The plots show whether the safe limits are respected. The method is applicable to active linear or non-linear power circuits which may contain inductive and capacitive components. The results take into account the required safety factor of 1.5. Under German classification, they are applicable to class IIb and IIc electrical operating equipment in Class 1 danger zones in chemical and petrochemical plants.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Bürgermeister-Smidt-Str. 74-76, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany, Nov. 1999. i, 38p. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 01-240 Hillier D.E., Hollywell P.D., Jeffries R.M., Scott I.M.B.
Health and Safety Executive
Limiting the instance of fly-rock from quarry operations
Fly-rock is defined as material blasted away from explosion sites. The objective of this study was to develop a working method or procedure to manage fly-rock risk, based on a blend of safety management issues, including human factors, technological solutions such as a probabilistic approach and engineering controls to enable the industry to effectively control fly-rock.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. viii, 111p. Illus. 12 ref. Price: GBP 32.50.

CIS 01-204 Andreeva N.N., Sitenkov V.T.
Selection of an accident development scenario in an oil plant
Vybor scenarija razvitija avarii na neftjanom promysle [in Russian]
This article examines theoretical and practical aspects of explosion hazards in a refinery. A basic assumption is that the plant can be divided into blocks that can be shut off in the case of malfunctions such as leakage. From any one block, the potential energy release should not exceed 3GJ. Safety equipment should match up to category 3 explosion hazard requirements. Two major explosion hazards are mentioned: firstly, explosive mixtures may form within a block during maintenance downtime, a situation which cannot be automatically controlled; secondly, fire may lead to an explosion hazard in a block that has been closed off in response to a malfunction; in this case, provision must be made for pressure release.
Bezopasnost' truda v promyšlennosti, July 1999, No.7, p.17-20. Illus.

CIS 01-66
Health and Safety Executive
Take care with oxygen - Fire and explosion hazards in the use of oxygen
This booklet provides information on fire and explosion hazards when oxygen is used. It is aimed at any person using oxygen gas in cylinders. Main hazards are described and guidance is given on the way of handling and replacing gas cylinder components.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Aug. 1999. 14p. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 01-87 Lepage M., Brett Y.B.
Figures on risks
Risques en chiffres [in French]
Topics: accident absenteeism; cost of accidents; explosions; fatalities; fire services; fire; France; injuries; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; statistical trends; statistics.
Face au risque, Jan. 1999, No.349, p.7-21. Illus.

CIS 00-1523 Directive 99/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16.12.99 on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (15th individual Dir. within the meaning of Art. 16(1) of Dir. 89/391/EEC) [European Communities]
Directive 99/92/CE ... du 16.12.99 concernant les prescriptions minimales visant à améliorer la protection en matière de sécurité et de santé des travailleurs susceptibles d¿être exposés au risque d¿atmosphères explosives [Communautés européennes] [in French]
This Directive lays down requirements for the safety and health of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres in line with Directive 89/391/EEC (CIS 89-1401). For the most part the Directive concerns the obligations of employers: prevention of and protection against explosions, assessment of explosion risks, general obligations, duty of coordination, identification of places where explosive atmospheres may occur, preparation of explosion protection documents, satisfying special requirements for work equipment and workplaces. In addition, the European Commission is asked to draw up practical non-binding guidelines of good practice for the subject at hand. In annex detailed criteria for the classification of places where explosive atmospheres may occur; minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 28 Jan. 2000, Vol.43, No.L 23, p.57-64. Illus.

CIS 00-929 Equipment and Protective Systems intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Order, 1999 [Malta]
Topics: approval; classification; compliance tests; data sheet; explosion prevention; explosive atmospheres; gases; law; Malta; marking; mists; mixed dust; safety by design; safety devices.
Official Gazette (Malta), 22 June 1999, Legal Notice 107, No.16806, p.B816-B844. Illus.

CIS 00-968
Health and Safety Executive
Safety in gas welding, cutting and similar processes
Contents of this safety guide usable for training purposes: risk assessment; permits-to-work; qualifications; equipment used in gas welding and cutting; fire, explosion and other hazards (use of fuel gases and oxygen); risks from lighted blowpipes; gas leaks; ventilation; storage and handling of gas cylinders; flashbacks; maintenance, examination and testing of equipment.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. 14p. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 00-1114
Health and Safety Executive
Small-scale use of LPG in cylinders
Topics: data sheet; electric sparks; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; flammable gases; gas cylinders; inspection; liquefied petroleum gas; maintenance; pressurized gas systems; protection against leakage; qualifications; safe distances; safe working methods; safety checks; United Kingdom; ventilation.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, May 1999. 2p. 1 ref.

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