Flammable Liquids

Buncefield Incident (CCTV catches VC formation)

In the early hours of Sunday 11th December 2005, a number of explosions occurred at Buncefield Oil Storage Depot, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. At least one of the initial explosions was of massive proportions and there was a large fire, which engulfed a high proportion of the site. Over 40 people were injured; fortunately there were

Static Electric Discharge Hazard On Bulk Oil Tank Vessels

Electrostatic discharges have long been known as a hazard associated with handling petroleum products. A monograph by Klinkenberg and van der Minne in 1958 [1] led to the development of antistatic additives by Royal Dutch/Shell. J.T. Leonard has described many papers and publications from the 1960s and 1970s addressing both the hazard and related safety

Tanker Ship Hold Explosions from Flammable Atmospheres

An interesting analysis of flammable vapor explosions in the shipping industry.  The report provides some brief details of the incidents, with causes.  Everything from hotwork to static is covered.  I especially like using the one where the sample was being obtained from a hold using a metal bucket and fiber rope in my flammable liquids

Flammable Liquid Tank Explosion & Hotwork

The following is an incident investigation report from the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT.  The accident was a result of having a flammable liquid tank within the 35′ fire safe zone required for safe hotwork (e.g. cutting, welding, brazing, grinding, etc.) zone.

Flammable Liquids and Tote Accident

An accident occurred when an as-yet unidentified source ignited the ethyl acetate solvent being loaded into a 330 gallon square tank, called a tote. The operator who was filling the tote had turned away momentarily when he heard what was described as a popping sound, which witnesses believe was a pressure relief device.  A fireball

What is a “Safety Can”?

A “safety can” is an approved container of not more than 5-gallon (19 L) capacity having a spring-closing lid and spout cover so designed that it will relieve internal pressure whensubjected to fire exposure.  Safety cans are commonly used where limited quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are required for manufacturing or research. The basicpurpose

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