Poor safety management - cause for blasts in chemical factory leading to 23 deaths

The chemical factory stores vinyl chloride (chloroethene, chloroethylene) in three tanks. Two tanks were full with the chemical at the time of the incident. Due to leak, pressure in the tank dropped. Instead of finding the cause for pressure drop, operators pumped more chemical into the tank. This lead to bursting of tank and release of chemical. Ignition source from outside the plant caused explosion of the leaked chemical, burning the trucks and cars outside the plant. 23 persons died and 22 were injured in the incident.

http://www.ecns.cn/news/2018-11-30/detail-ifzahqkf0371003.shtml
http://www.ecns.cn/news/2018-11-29/detail-ifzahqkf0369490.shtml) 
http://www.ecns.cn/news/society/2018-12-10/detail-ifzanuxq9377375.shtml

Boy dies in oven, after entering in it to escape cold weather

A 15 year old boy dies inside the oven, after he enters into it to escape cold weather. The oven door closes leading to the death of the boy.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/up-gonda-teenager-boy-dies-trap-oven-biscuit-factory-1405407-2018-12-08

Similar incident occurred elsewhere. Here, four persons get trapped inside and cooked to death. From the news report, it is understood that they entered again into furnace after their cleaning work is over, did not inform anybody, did not put caution board, did not remove furnace fuse.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2113800/Metalworkers-cooked-death-inside-giant-Austrian-oven-door-closed-800C-furnace-accidentally-switched-on.html

Death from hydrogen gas cylinder blast in IISc Bengaluru

A person was thrown about 20 feet away, hit the wall and died due to suspected hydrogen cylinder blast.  3 others sustained injuries during the incident. 

The window panes and 20 m high roof sheet got damaged.

Small scale hydrogen explosions are made to create shock waves for conducting experiments.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/laboratory-accident-at-iisc-kills-one-injures-three/article25671763.ece

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/research-scholar-killed-3-706586.html

Accidents due to opening of the door of cars/trucks

I watched few videos in internet as well as learnt from experiences of friends about fall of persons on the road while walking / driving two wheelers when they were hit by sudden opening of the door of cars/trucks by its inmates.

I feel, it is better to have slide type doors for the vehicles. This type of slide doors shall be made mandatory atleast on the right side of the vehicle where 'drive left' is followed and on left side where 'drive right' is followed. This is, presuming car/truck inmates try to open the door(s), after the vehicle is parked left / right as per the local rules.

Dangerous jobs

https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/most-dangerous-jobs-in-america-14756704

Life as it comes

Last few weeks were hectic. Most part of it, I was on leave, travelling a lot, visiting and staying in the hospital to be with sick relation,  for days together. Within a span of two days, I saw two persons no more while undergoing treatment. Another affectionate old lady whom I met in the hospital earlier, also left this world. To drive final nail, a very close relation and part of my life from childhood, had his last breath who was very active just 20-30 minutes before.

During last two decades, I came across several heart twisting scenes and already made be to think about life and its purpose.

Nothing is in our control. We struggle so much for worldly pleasures, struggle to save the little amounts for facing unknown problems in the future, load the mind with all junk thoughts. But, we are nothing when that moment comes. We do not know where we will be after death. After death, even dead body is not taken inside our own home, people who came to see or our own relations take bath, as if some mud has fallen. The money, property, everything what we thought of as our assets are not ours. We leave this world, with lot of things behind. Those who get possession of these do not give a thought and importance.

In this universe, we are a dust speck and we crave for things. We will be philosophical during emotional breakdowns, only to return to normal self later.

I do not know how one can lead himself to inner peace, but believe that our experiences only will teach us a thing or two in that direction.

Gas leak from air conditioner - three deaths

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chennai-family-suffocates-death-due-gas-leak-ac-after-power-cut-89340

Bhilai steel plant - gas pipeline maintenance - explosion - 11 deaths - CEO removed - GM(Safety) & DGM(Energy) suspended

As per reports, 11 persons died due to explosion in Bhilai Steel Plant on 09.11.2018 at about 1030 hr during maintenance of a gas pipeline. 12 persons are undergoing treatment. The explosion took place after removal of bolts of pipeline joint of the gas pipeline. It appears, the line is not depressurized and flushed before opening.

CEO of the plant was removed and two senior officials safety & energy departments were suspended.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhilai-steel-plant-blast-death-toll-rises-to-11-few-others-still-critical/story-4QB4uFAWtJGtwNb0I1d6MI.html

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/explosion-at-chhattisgarh-bhilai-steel-plant-dead-injured-5393509/

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bhilai-steel-plant-accident-death-toll-rose-to-11-ceo-m-ravi-asked-to-step-away-5395630/

Detergent in aluminum container - hydrogen liberation and explosion

In an incident, a person filled aluminum container with a detergent solution.

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201810100055.html

This caused hydrogen generation and explosion, causing burn injuries to two persons.

As per theory, alkalis can react with aluminum leading to hydrogen gas generation.

http://www2.uni-siegen.de/~pci/versuche/english/v44-10.html

Toxic drug with potential to harm many was seized

Fentanyl drug used to treat pain of cancer patients. 

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605043.html

9 kg of the drug was seized.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/doomsday-chemical-seized-us-hating-scholar-arrested/articleshow/66011402.cms

Need for controlling residential growth around industrial area

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/graphite-india-factory-too-693590.html

Developing thick skin

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alizalicht/2017/05/04/7-ways-to-develop-a-thick-skin-in-the-office/

Construction labour falls down - 3 rods enter the body - person suffers injuries

Doctors had tough time to save the injured with 3 rods in his body.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/doctors-couldnt-carry-out-tests-because-of-protruding-rods/articleshow/65331052.cms

Fall of fumigation bottle in hospital releases toxic gas

In an incident of fall of a bottle containing fumigant, toxic gas is released in the hospital. Contact of fumigation chemical with water was believed to cause release of toxic gas.

Some fumigants upon inhalation can cause several health effects like nausea, headache, chest pain, drowsiness, etc.

Phosphine is one of the fumigation gas used for the purpose.



http://www.dnaindia.com/jaipur/report-gas-leak-at-mathuradas-mathur-hospital-in-jodhpur-kid-dead-icu-evacuated-2644137

Entry in to boiler for maintenance - 3 deaths

Three persons lost their lives inside a boiler while attending maintenance. For entry into confined spaces (a space which is not a regular work place), the area needs monitoring before entry for ensuring safe work atmosphere. The oxygen levels and presence of other pollutants will be checked, the area will be flushed with air before and during work to ensure that the work area is as good as working in open atmosphere anywhere.


http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/jul/12/bengaluru-toxic-gas-snuffs-out-three-lives-inside-boiler-at-anthem-biosciences-factory-1842047.html

Property damage from septic tank explosion

Septic tank explosions are possible and are dangerous. This particular explosion appears to have been heard by persons even kilometers away. Normally, methane, hydrogen sulfide and other gases like carbon dioxide are generated from these tanks.

https://globalnews.ca/video/3882959/septic-tank-explosion-in-china-kills-at-least-19-destroys-neighbourhood

https://forum.susana.org/human-tragedies-examples/21967-septic-tank-explosion-an-explosion-that-ripped-through-the-chinese-megaport-of-ningbo

Job / work related stress - injuries

A good article (in a blog) on injuries from work related stress is available in the link below.

https://blogs.lawyers.com/attorney/workers-compensation/stress-and-workplace-injuries-49091/

Stress results in burnout quickly and performance can be affected. Further to this, one is prone to accidents from lack of concentration / clarity due to so many thoughts lingering in mind to meet the demands.

Road accident data for Jan-Mar 2018 in Maharashtra

About 100 road accidents are taking place everyday in the state and about 30 persons lost their lives everyday. 

The news report is available here.

http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/12264-people-died-in-35853-road-accidents-in-maharashtra-in-2017/1317931

Person driving 2-wheeler with cellphone talking

See the incident in the following link that appeared in yahoo news.

https://in.news.yahoo.com/caught-cam-cell-phone-driving-012500011.html

Death during filling of balloons with helium gas

During the filling of balloons with helium gas from a cylinder, suddenly it exploded. Due to the impact of explosion, the boy aged 17 years died on the spot.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/boy-dead-in-helium-cylinder-explosion/articleshow/64240137.cms

Under construction bridge / flyover collapse in Varanasi on 15.05.2018 - reasons

As per reports, the bridge / flyover collapse leading to 18 deaths was due to issues involving design, quality, barrication, supervision. Proper records and checklist were not maintained making it difficult to ascertain the material used for concreting.  Pour card filling is to be done so that all details like area of work, ratio of cement, sand, water used, status of shuttering etc will be noted and signed by all concerned.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/varanasi-flyover-collapse-initial-probe-identifies-6-lapses-in-construction-advises-strict-action-against-high-ranking-officials-4474481.html

At least 8 students, 1 teacher injured in chemical fire at Hendersonville school

At least 8 students, 1 teacher injured in chemical fire at Hendersonville school: An official with the Hendersonville Fire Department said 17 students and one teacher were either triaged at the scene or transported to local hospitals.

During an experiment in lab by students to see change of flame colours of different salts, the incident happened. The incident appears to have happened to demonstrate rainbow flame by adding different salts to ignited ethyl alcohol. A flash fire occurred lasting 3-5 seconds.

In laboratories, will be working with known/unknown materials. The awareness on lab safety particularly in schools/colleges is generally low compared to industrial safety. Knowledge on properties of chemicals, methods to avoid hazards, control and mitigation measures, use of personal protective equipment, etc will help in avoid consequences from the work. Making safety principles as a topic in every subject let it be science / engineering / arts can help improving awareness.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2018/05/09/a-classroom-science-experiment-turned-into-a-chemical-fire-injuring-17/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f3e0c55beb7f


http://www.wsmv.com/story/38149598/principal-8-students-1-teacher-injured-in-fire-at-hendersonville-school

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/high-school-chemistry-lab-fire-prompts-warnings-for-science-teachers/2015/11/05/eb78543e-8312-11e5-9afb-0c971f713d0c_story.html?utm_term=.4025ee47ffa1

http://www.wkrn.com/top-news/chemistry-safety-experts-warn-schools-to-stop-unsafe-science-demonstrations/1172474948

Ammonia causes chemical burns

During unloading, ammonium hydroxide from the tank splashes on the face of the person causing chemical burns. The person was taken to hospital for treatment.

https://www.wday.com/news/accidents/4434335-man-airlifted-fargo-serious-chemical-burn

Fire and explosion in pharma factory

In an incident of explosions in pharmaceutical factories that stored combustible chemicals, one person died, few persons suffered burn injuries, 3 of them serious. As per the reports, it is not clear whether it is boiler explosion or chemical reactor explosion.  Blast could be felt 12 km from the factory site. Window panes of buildings at 3 km were shattered.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/four-injured-in-explosions-at-tarapur-midc-units/articleshow/63225257.cms

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-blast-fire-in-chemical-unit-in-palghar-5091363/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJ-w6eEI3k


Additional info.: 3 persons die in the accident

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/city-others/three-die-in-tarapur-industrial-unit-set-up-in-1978-tarapur-midc-has-an-infamous-history-of-accidents-5092536/

One will be surprised with statements in the report!!!

14 killed in roof top pub fire at Mumbai

In a fire incident at a roof top pub fire at 0100 hr (in the early morning hours), at least 14 persons lost their lives.
About 50 persons were taken to hospital. Most died due to suffocation.
The bamboo roof caught fire and fell down.

As per reports, the deficiencies observed are, not having trained personnel for fire fighting, non-functioning of fire fighting equipment, only one staircase for entry/exit, blocking of fire exit.

https://in.yahoo.com/news/mumbai-fire-live-violations-blaze-063005882.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/14-killed-as-fire-engulfs-mumbai-pub/article22328388.ece


https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/above-the-law-14-die-as-blaze-guts-2-illegal-terrace-resto-bars/articleshow/62301543.cms?intenttarget=no&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top_Headlines

Some times, strange clues help in investigation

Please see the attached link on the topic.

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/amp_articleshow/62046096.cms#ampshare=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/articleshow/62046096.cms

Underground metro travel exposes to carcinogens

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/underground-metro-exposes-commuters-to-cancer-causing-agents-study-2451331.html

As per the article, every year, 6.5 million persons die due to pollution. A study reveals that passengers of underground metro get exposed to cancer causing agents (carcinogens) due to dust from friction between rails and wheels; improper ventilation.

Issue of safety kit to registered construction workers by Maharashtra government

Maharashtra government decided to issue safety kit and essential items kit containing safety shoe, helmet, gloves, reflective jacket, dust mask in former and water bottle, mosquito repellant, plastic mat, bag , etc in later.

The news item is available in the link below:

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-to-provide-safety-kits-for-all-registered-construction-site-workers-4956258/

Operator is crushed fatally due to trapping of hand between rollers in a rubber factory

In a rubber factory, while pushing a sheet into rollers, his hand got dragged and was crushed to death. 

Such accidents can be prevented by having fixed guards with gap less than 3 mm between guard bottom and job rest, optical curtain interlocked with power supply and applying of brake to stop rollers moving with momentum, pull wire (chord), emergency switches nearby.

Police booked case on shift engineer, supervisor, safety engineer as per IPC for causing death by negligence.

The newspaper report can be read from the following link.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/mysuru-worker-crushed-to-death-at-jk-tyres-factory/articleshow/61676525.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIMobile

A reason for diabetes is pollution

Pollution in surrounding areas is found to be a reason for diabetes.

See the news item HERE.

Safety statistics of India - as per British Safety Council - an article in Times of India

Every day 38 fatal accidents in construction sector compared 137 in all sectors in Britain.
24.2% of fatal accidents are in construction sector.
Every year, 48000 workers die in work related accidents.

Read the full article here.

Safety awareness programme by 3M

To create awareness among industrial workers, 3M initiated two mobile vans for going around the country. Read the news item in the link below

https://yourstory.com/2017/11/3m-drives-industrial-safety-awareness/

EHS Today - worker suffers burns due to fire from rich oxygen work atmosphere

http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/worker-severely-burned-when-trapped-fiery-underground-duct?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20171116_OH-05_712&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=23112&utm_medium=email&elq2=4c69ad8c5a1d4c0f9872eb2a45dd0031

A worker suffered third degree burns due to a fire while working inside a duct that had rich oxygen.

The contractor was charged for safety lapses in confined space work, i.e. failure to ensure work area air monitoring, mechanical ventilation.

Many do not know the hazards of oxygen above atmospheric levels of 21% v/v. One should not think that compressed air and compressed oxygen are same.

Dress soaked in oxygen can catch fire easily. Materials burn easily in high oxygen conditions. 

Higher oxygen levels can cause damage to lungs and eyes.

That's the reason why safety professionals ask for measuring and finding reasons for oxygen levels in work area which are not at 21% v/v. 

Even if it is low, even slightly below 21% also, one should not think it is okay, because the difference can be some toxic/poisonous and pose health hazard. Similarly, for higher levels.

Then, we should ensure supply of fresh air (not oxygen) in the confined space work area. Generally, we supply air into the work area for 24 hours before work. Again, the work atmosphere will be measured for safe condition before permitting the persons inside.

Then buddy system also is to be ensured.

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

LINK

Gas leak explosion causes two deaths

After power  failure and resumption, explosion occurs in a house causing two deaths.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/gas-leak-triggers-explosion-in-farmers-kitchen-2-die/articleshow/60371272.cms

Increase in fines for safety violations that are likely to cause serious accidents in Singapore

The amount of fines is raised from 20,000 to 50,000 dollars for violations that are likely to cause serious accidents, in Singapore. Parliament passed changes accordingly in Workplace Safety and Health Act yesterday.

Safety inspectors and enforcement officers were given additional protection in the changes in Act. 

Full article can be read here.

http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/fines-to-double-for-safety-violations-that-could-cause-serious-accidents

Country growth measurement with per capita power consumption

Many compare growth or development of a country with per capita power consumption. Unless power consumption is productive and the power generation and transmission is by efficient means, it is wastage of resources, spread of pollution and damaging to the environment.

Many organisations use power for lighting, ventilation/air conditioning and they will be running continuously even when persons are not present. Similarly, many domestic users continue to run their utilities in the house.

This type of power consumption will show increase in per capita power consumption. But, it does not mean increase in development of the country. Instead, it is wastage of resources,  deprivation of resources to others in the present or to future generations, damage to the environment.

Aeroplane engine fails during travel, safely landed - BBC news item

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41454712

Unguarded opening - fall of person from height

A person fell down to death from possible unguarded opening at height. 

As per established practices and legislations, all openings that can lead to fall of persons  have to be provided with guard rails of 1.0 m height.

The news item is available here.

Real time gas alerts for quick emergency response

http://www.ehstoday.com/industrial-hygiene/emergency-response-real-time-gas-alerts?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20170905_OH-05_128&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=21710&utm_medium=email&elq2=2860de413b4a4fc1af1a7d690f749f26

Illustrative discussion on inherent safety and secondary prevention - an article

Please see the item on subject line below.

http://fortune.com/2017/09/05/houston-chemical-plant-fire-explosion-arkema-crosby/

‘Toxicity a relative thing’: Worst industrial chemical disasters in human history

‘Toxicity a relative thing’: Worst industrial chemical disasters in human history: An explosion rocked the Arkema plant in Texas once again Friday due to degrading chemicals as a result of Hurricane Harvey. RT looks back at history’s worst industrial chemical disasters, following the plant CEO’s comments that “toxicity is a relative thing.”

LINK

Fatal accident during maintenance on underground enclosure

https://www.manufacturing.net

Rail track maintenance - safety issues

As per several news paper reports, the following appear to be the safety issues / challenges involved in track maintenance:

1. Train schedules need to be maintained.
2. This leads second priority for release of equipment / tracks for maintenance.
3. Punctuality pressure is making concerned not understanding the problem and thus not giving top priority even for immediate maintenance.
4. "unofficial work" i.e. doing maintenance on the tracks by putting red flags at 1200 m on either side of the track, but without restricting the speed of trains on the track will even put the lives of maintenance crew on tracks at risk, as it is likely that they make take chance to complete the work before the train passes through.
5. If they start and do not complete the work, then all those on the train are at risk.
6. Then, the observation of highly educated like degree holders in engineering, business administration etc joining as trackmen do not listen to supervisors also appears to be correct. For unemployed, getting job is first priority. After getting the job at junior cadre, they find that they are monitored by persons whose education levels are at SSC or so but they have become seniors due to experience. This makes ego hurt in some persons with BE / BTech / MBA qualification and leads to disobedience. Their non-cooperation leads to work pressure on others.

Unless maintenance is given top priority and the authority for decision making lies with field supervisor, these types of accidents appear to be routine. Due to availability of smart phones, the field persons can take photographs of the track to be repaired and can send through whatsapp or similar application to their next level official and can obtain permission for work. This will definitely put some control on abuse of authority by field staff but at the same allowing next higher level to make decision immediately and allow for maintenance.

Construction site deaths - scaffold collapse, fall from height, electric shock

Avoidable accidents at different construction sites led to death of 3 persons in construction sites.
The primary reasons are collapse of scaffold on which persons were working, fall of person from height and burns due to electric shock respectively.
The news item may be read in the link below.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/three-construction-workers-killed-within-5-hours/

Lab facility takes electrical repairs after fire safety audit

The premium lab initiates electrical repairs based on fire safety audit. The facility saw 14 accidents during last 15 years. Short circuit alone caused Rs 7.48 crore loss out of total loss of Rs 7.84 crores.
Anytime is better than ignoring.

The facility needs appreciation for taking up fire safety audit and initiating measures.
https://www.nyoooz.com/news/pune/894897/ncl-undergoes-fire-safety-audit-orders-fresh-electrical-repairs-on-its-premises/

Gas cylinder explosion during refilling - cylinder flies 800 m

A person died during explosion while refilling helium gas cylinder. The cylinder flew off 800 m.

Cylinder filling needs to be done only by authorized agencies with necessary precautions as per Gas Cylinder Rules.

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/balloon-seller-dies-as-gas-cylinder-explodes-in-mumbai/articleshow/60038330.cms?intenttarget=no&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top_Headlines

Construction safety - lessons to be learnt

NDTV news report link provides details about construction industry hazards.

Read the report here.http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/even-after-fatal-accidents-indias-construction-sites-remain-death-traps-for-workers-1734233

Drop in accidents inspite of increase in number of vehicles in Delhi in last seven years

As per reports appeared in Times of India and Economic Times, 32 lakh vehicles are added in Delhi during last seven years. However, the accidents dropped by 26.4% during the period.
The traffic authorities are confident of improving safety by engineering measures, awareness and enforcement of regulations.

Electrical vehicles are not environment friendly totally

Electrical vehicles do not have emissions at the place of their use. However, the electricity that is required for charging has to be produced somewhere and if this comes from fossils, then the place of power plants are polluted. Further, the transmission losses and efficiency during charging are to be taken into account.

The other side is that the environment impact for transport of hydrocarbons to places of use also need to be considered.

Most of the times, we see that electrical vehicles are pollution free and hype is being created. The waste created from batteries also has to be seen, they great improvements are made during last decade.

But, we have to understand that they are good only at the place of use for above reasons.