Safety Alert Oil Refinery Fire Case
On 25 June, 2016, a fire occurred in the heat exchanger unit at the oil refinery about 9.30 pm. It technically occurred and affected the heat exchanger close to the incident area and caused the building structure defects,but there were no fatalities and injuries .The fire progressively diminished within 20 minutes later.
Figure 1: The incident area.
The following preventive measures should have been taken:-
i. Conduct maintenance schedule of all the piping systems and machinery involved and take action for improvement.
ii. Bolt and nut tighten using torque wrench should be follow as per manufacturer recommendations.
iii. Implement programs to ensure safe work procedures in handling of flammable material during maintenance.
iv. An employer shall provide with an adequate training about the dangers of exposure control by knowledgeable and experience person about the process and machinery.
v. Ensure the maintenance record of all the equipment properly maintain and audit from time to time.
References:
1. Factory and Machinery Act 1967
2. Petroleum Act (Safety Measures)1984
3. U.S Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board,2175 K St.N.W,Washington D.C 20037
