Accidental Explosions

The wisdom of requiring the employees to drink milk has been severely questioned for this reason Milk contains primarily fats and casein. The fats are capable of dissohing a large amotmt of TXT. Therefore, should any of the explosive accidentally find its way into the milk, or should there be any in the stomach through swallowing dust in the factory, this will dissolve in the fats of the milk and will be absorbed by the blood. This action has been proved by Dr. Haythom, who has performed several experiments upon rabbits and guinea pigs with a solution of TXT in milk. 

Structural collapse, while not a common incident, may occur for any number of reasons weakening from age or fire, environmental causes (earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flooding, rain, or snow buildup on roofs), or an explosion (accidental or intentional). Structural collapses can create numerous voids where victims could be trapped. 

Structures to Eesist the Effect of Accidental Explosions, Dept, of the Army Technical Manual TM5-1300, Washington, D.C., 1986. 

A.m blent Environment. The environment around the flow conduit must be considered in meter selection. Such factors as the ambient temperature and humidity, the pipe shock and vibration levels, the avadabiHty of electric power, and the corrosive and explosive characteristics of the environment may all influence flow meter selection. Special factors such as possible accidental flooding, the need for hosedown or steam cleaning, and the possibiHty of lightning or power transients may also need to be evaluated. 

C. Field, The Study of Missiles Resulting from Accidental Explosion, U.S. AFC Safety and Fire Protection Bulletin No. 10, Washington, D.C., 1966. 

HBr reacts with metals, producing highly explosive hydrogen gas. If aleak or spill occurs, exposure to the vapors should be avoided. If a high concentration of aqueous acid is accidentally spilled, it should be diluted immediately with water to reduce fuming prior to neutralization. Hydrobromic acid may be neutralized with soda ash or lime sprinkled over the contaminated area. An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide may also be used to neutralize the diluted acid. 

Eliminate turned-down vents from safety relief valves, i.e., upside down U. Possible accidental ignition of releases from such vents wiU likely result in flame impingement on the top external surface of the tank, above the internal wetted surface. BLEXT Some means to handle rainwater from a desirable upward vertical vent have been listed by Bodurtha (ibid., April 1988). Moreover, a safety relief valve must function properly when required and must be sized properly to help prevent an explosion. 

Process Safety A discipline that focuses on the prevention and mitigation of fires, explosions, and accidental chemical releases at process facilities. Excludes classic worker health and safety issues involving working surfaces, ladders, protective equipment, etc. 

Emergency response plan A written plan which addresses actions to take in case of plant fire, explosion or accidental chemical release. 

The chance of accidental initiation is related to the energy imparted to the substance and the sensitivity of the compound. Hence the sensitivity of compounds should be established (e.g. Table 7.15) before devising appropriate control measures. (Many sensitive explosives have ignition energies of 1-45 m, while some very sensitive materials have ignition energies <1 m. )... 

When this reaction has occuiTcd accidentally sufficient hydrogen chloride has been liberated to explosively burst the vessel. The purest form of hydrogen chloride is made by the action of water on silicon tetrachloride ... 

Hypergolic A hypergolic mixture ignites upon contact of the components without any external source of ignition (heat or flame). The only field, in which this is a desirable event, is in rocket fuel research. Accidental mixing of incompatible materials can lead to a fire or explosion. Here is one example provided by the staff at ILPI of what can happen, when incompatibles are mixed. Always read the labels on your bottles (don t assume a chemical s identity by the shape, size, or color of the bottle), and know what materials are incompatible with the chemicals that you are using. 

Medard, L. A. (1989). Accidental Explosions. 2 Volumes, West Sussex, England Ellis Horwood Limited. 

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