Exothermic reaction, risk assessment

Most of the chemical reactions performed in the fine chemicals industry are exothermal, meaning that thermal energy is released during the reaction. It is obvious that the amount of energy released is directly linked to the potential damage in the case of an incident. For this reason, the heat of reaction is one of the key data, which allow assessment of the risks linked to a chemical reaction at the industrial scale. 

The thermal risks of a synthesis step with an exothermal bimolecular reaction (A + B —> P) must be assessed. For this, the required thermal data have to be determined in a safety laboratory equipped with a reaction calorimeter and a DSC. 

The second principle, assess risks of hazards associated with exposures and procedures, is perhaps the most important of all the principles." This requires that you consider what kind of exposure to various chemicals could or will occur during a procedure or reaction as well as the risk associated with the use of equipment. Is this reaction exothermic (releasing energy) in a way that might lead to a fire or explosion Are there any flammable chemicals involved that might pose a fire hazard What is the chance of some exposure to a toxic chemical ... 

Assess the level of risk by estimating the exothermicity of the reaction and the ability of the system to absorb the heat that is released. 

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