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A fire broke out at an agricultural chemical and grain storage/distribution site and was reported to the local fire brigade. Around 20 minutes later, while first responders were attempting to extinguish the blaze, a massive explosion occurred, registering as a magnitude 2.1 earthquake on the Ritcher scale. Approximately 27 of the 36 – 54 tonnes of fertiliser grade ammonium nitrate stored there detonated. Twelve first responders and three members of the public were fatally injured. The blast completely destroyed the facility, levelled dozens of homes and damaged other building including 2 schools and a nursing home. The company subsequently filed for bankruptcy.
Ask yourself and your crew:
- How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
- What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls/barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
- How do we know the risk controls/barriers are working?
- What improvements or changes should we make to the procedures, controls/barriers or the way we work?
Original content courtesy of IChemE Safety Centre
