SAFETY TECHNOLOGY, ACCIDENT PROTECTION

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SAFETY TECHNOLOGY, ACCIDENT PROTECTION

• An accident in a chemical industry
  Its causes and further arrangements

Hungary
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The accident

• On 6th October in 1998 at 7 am. a worker, who
  filled acid at rail-chlorsulphonic acid filling
  station of the Tisza Region's Chemical Works in
  Szolnok(TVM),was ordered to fill more acid into
  the wagon standing at the station.
• There could be l or 2 dls of water in the pipe
  which flew into the chlorsulphonic acid and
  immediately reacted on it.
• The arising vapour stuck into the workers face
  through the filling pipe.

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• The worker who lost his balance was supported by
  his colleagues from the filling bridge.
• His face was washed with water and rinsed with
  neutralizing solution then they called the
  ambulance. It was announced that he had suffered
  from corrosive effect on his face and forehead.
• Fortunately his eyes were sound.

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The chlorsulfonic acid and water gives sulphuric
acid and hydrochlorid acid.

• HO SO2Cl H2O H2SO4 HCl
• This reaction is exoterm but the hydratation of
  the arising sulphuric acid goes with liberation
  of great amount of heat ,too but the
  chlorsulphonic acid itself is a liquid smoking
  easily in the air.
• All these led to the accident that the vapouring
  acid stuck into the worker's face through the
  pipe.

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Datas of produced chlorsulfonic acid

• Physical characteristicsDensity 1,77 g/cm3 on
  18 oC Melting point 151 oC Freezing point
  1,33 mbar 32 on oCSteam pressure
  colourless/yellow liquid fuming on air contact
• Packing rail tank cars, drums made of aluminium
  or iron with 330 kg Nettocontent (with or without
  palettes), ISO-Containers

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• Technical DataClSO3H
  min. 98,0 H2SO4/and free SO3/
  max. 1,5HCl
  max. 0,2 Iron /Fe/
  ppm max. 70

• Applications Production detergents,
  pharmaceuticals, dyes, pesticides, ion exchange
  resins, plasticizers, etc.

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Datas of the safety sheet

• Chemical dangers
• The material dissolves at heating, contacting
  water and it produces poisonous and corrosive
  smoke.  The material is strong oxidizing agent
  and react violently with flammable and reducing
  materials.   The material is a strong acid, it
  reacts violently with bases it is corrosive
  materials.  It reacts violently with alcohols,
  metal powders, phosphorus, nitrates and other
  materials causing danger of fire and explosion.

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R sentences referring to hazard

• R14-35-37
• 14 Reacts vidently with water.
• 35 Caures serious burn.
• 37 Irritates respiratory system.

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S sentences referring to precautionary

• S (1/2)-26-45
• 1/2 keeping locked and not available for
  children
• 26 Getting into eyes, if must be washed out
  with much water and see the doctor.
• 45 In the case of accident or indisposition a
  doctor must be called and if it is possible the
  label must be shown.

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Hazard symbol (label)C

• Material with causticity Corrosive

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Faults, Deficiencies

• The required protective clothing wasn't used by
  the worker at the filling. Terylen clothes, a
  cap, rubber gloves and gumboots were worn by him
  but he didn't protect his face.

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Faults, Deficiencies

• There was some water getting into the
  chlorsulphonic acid in the filling pipe which
  caused the detonation-like reaction.The
  "Z"-shaped pipe with double elbow was on the
  bridge where perhaps some rainwater could get
  into it.

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What worked properly

• The collegues helped at once, washed his face
  with water, rinsed it with neutralizing solution
  and called the ambulance.

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Further arrangements

• The accident must be stated on the monthly
  education of the workers protection
  (deadline31.Oct.)
• The features of the chlorsulphonic acid and its
  reaction with water must be stated.

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Further arrangements

• We must draw attention to the necessity of a more
  circumspect work and using the prescribed
  protective clothing and safety equipment must be
  required and checked.
• The filling pipe must be stored in a dry, safe
  place in vertical position.