Laboratory Explosion Accidents: Case Analysis and Preventive Measures

On August 3, 2020, a disastrous explosion demolished the Lanhua Organosilicone Ltd. plant in Xiantao county, China, causing six deaths, four injuries, and a loss exceeding US$2 million. We performed an extensive case study with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). The calorimetric methodology can obtain thermal hazard data, such as the exothermic onset temperature, enthalpy change, maximum temperature, maximum self-heat rate, maximum pressure, maximum pressure-rising rate, adiabatic temperature rise, and time-to-maximum rate. The ARC assessed a simulation of the incident vessel by storing the product solution of vinyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane with a thermal inertia of 1.87. The thermal runaway phenomena can be scaled up directly to an industrial vessel with good adiabaticity under such low thermal inertia. An official report announced the time of explosion as 33.2 h, which agreed with the ARC-determined time-to-maximum-rate (TMR) of 28.7 h. A (dT dt −1 ) max is as high as 801.4 °C min −1 , revealing that once the decomposition goes through the critical point, the severe thermal runaway cannot be mitigated or hindered effectively. Therefore, the explosion of the process vessel shows that the maximum pressure under thermal decomposition largely exceeded the design pressure of static tank #1 without adequate relief under overpressure. This paper not only provides a lesson learned for producing chemical products using 2-butanone oxime and alkyl silane but also stands as a guide for an inherently safer processes in similar chemical industries.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 66%

Explosion in a Chemical Plant Producing Methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane and Vinyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane from 2-Butanone Oxime

Gao,

Liu,

et al. 2024

“…Pressurized vessels, gas cylinders, and reactions under pressure can lead to explosions or uncontrolled releases. 55,56 2.2.2. High-Temperature Operations.…”

Section: Identification Of Potential Hazardsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitigation of Potential Risks in Chemical Laboratories: A Focused Review

Abedsoltan,

Shiflett

2024

This review paper presents an analysis of safety practices in chemical laboratories. It encompasses a systematic exploration of various facets including risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and the implementation of safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of continuous education and training, advocating a proactive safety culture, and adapting to technological advancements. Additionally, the paper underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory standards, promoting exceeding baseline compliance toward establishing best practices in laboratory safety. This comprehensive approach highlights the dynamic, multifaceted nature of laboratory safety, positioning it as a fundamental aspect of scientific research.

“…In such situations, safety glasses can readily fog up. As noted by researchers and practitioners, 19 not all students necessarily wear safety glasses in chemistry laboratories because of reduced comfort. Goggles with ventilation are available to prevent fogging; this could solve the fogging issue.…”

Section: What Is 4m4e Analysis?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons Learned─Splashing Incidents of Methanol and ortho-Chlorobenzaldehyde into Eyes and Faces Due to Accidental Detachment of Luer Slip Syringes and Needles

Koshiba,

Wakui,

Ito

2024

This study provides details of two incidents involving the splashing of chemicals (methanol and ortho-chlorobenzaldehyde) from Luer slip syringes into students' eyes and faces in chemistry laboratories. The methanol incident was directly caused by unsafe acts, specifically the inappropriate use of a Luer slip syringe without adjusting the position of the clamp, which remained elevated. Additionally, the incident was a result of an unsafe condition, as the safety glasses wore by the individual were not designed as over-the-glass safety glasses, creating a gap between the student's face and lip of the safety glasses, thereby allowing methanol to reach the student's eyes. Unsafe acts were identified as the direct causes of the ortho-chlorobenzaldehyde incident. These acts included using an inappropriate Luer slip syringe, exerting force on a long syringe needle, conducting syringe operations outside a fume hood, and neglecting to wear appropriate safety glasses and a lab coat. Furthermore, an unsafe condition involved the inappropriate positioning of a flask within a fume hood. Consequently, detaching a needle from the Luer slip syringe resulted in the scattering of chemicals reaching the student's face and eyes. A method that enables the multifaceted exploration of the causes of human errors and facilitates the development of comprehensive solutions was used to identify 16 root causes of human errors and 11 preventive measures for the ortho-chlorobenzaldehyde incident. The lessons learned from the two incidents contribute substantially to preventing the recurrence of similar syringe incidents and reducing the risks associated with syringe operations in chemistry laboratories that handle hazardous/toxic chemicals.