Conveyors or elevators are used in many agricultural and industrial activities. An analysis of the accidents recorded in the ARIA database shows that this type of equipment is regularly involved in accidents involving fire and explosions. The purpose of this summary[...]
Fluid transfer is a common industrial operation. However, the incorrect positioning of transfer circuit during such operations, also referred to as poor alignment, is the cause of many accidents. This study, based on 372 events in the ARIA database, presents[...]
Mobile acetylene cylinders are present in all sectors of activity owing to their common use on welding machines. Even if they look like risk free, these cylinders are real hazard potential ! Five major accidents in France since the beginning of[...]
At around 9:00 p.m., phosgene and chlorobenzene began leaking inside the containment of a chlorinated chemicals plant. The leak was detected by analysers inside the containment. The analysers' control system automatically directed the air inside the bubble towards the caustic scrubber.[...]
A tank of diesel fuel at an oil terminal began leaking its contents at around midnight. The fuel had been unloaded from an oil tanker. A total of 100 l leaked out and formed a floating layer on the surface of[...]
A degraded situation is merely an initial phase that could lead to an accident with serious consequences. “Operating in a degraded mode” refers to a condition during which operations are ongoing despite there being no access to all necessary or[...]
A gas boiler exploded during a restart test phase in a steel plant at 11:13 p.m. The site's firefighters were able to secure the facility. Although the boiler was severely damaged, production operations were not affected. The boiler had just been[...]
In a 3,000 m² vinegar factory, a 150 m³ tank containing 40 m³ of alcohol vinegar exploded at around 9:40 a.m. while undergoing welding work. The tank, measuring 13 m in height and 4 m in diameter, was projected like a missile.[...]
A storm surge coinciding with high tides raised the level of the Humber Estuary. The water flooded the gates of the port and filled the port to overflowing. A Seveso-classified chemical and hydrocarbon storage terminal was under 1 m of water.[...]
This fact sheet is the analysis of some accidents that illustrate the risks associated with the operation of installations in degraded mode (unavailability of equipment, utility, personnel ...). These degraded operating situations can arise from material failures, but also from[...]