Accident: Technic Inc. Ventilation System Explosion
Location: Location: Cranston, RI
Accident Occurred On: 02/07/2003 | Final Report Released On: 08/20/2004
Accident Type: Chemical Manufacturing - Fire and Explosion
Investigation Status: The Board voted 5-0 to approve the final report on August 20, 2004.
On February 7, 2003, a worker was seriously injured in an explosion at Technic Inc. in Cranston, Rhode Island. The explosion occurred during maintenance on a ventilation system connected to multiple chemical reactors, evidently due to an accumulation of hazardous material inside. The plant manufactures precious metal processing chemicals.
Update the preliminary steps in the chapter on exhaust system design in the next revision of the Industrial Ventilation Manual, emphasizing the need to evaluate potential incompatibilities between dusts, fumes, or vapors that are likely to be intermixed in main header ducts of a ventilation system to ensure that they do not result in fire or explosion hazards, or destructive corrosion. Reference appropriate methods for such evaluations, such as the ASTM E 2012-00 standard.
Revise the appendix of ANSI Z9.2, American National Standard Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Systems, emphasizing the need to evaluate potential incompatibilities when dusts, fumes, or vapors are intermixed in local exhaust ventilation systems with common headers to ensure that they do not result in fire or explosion hazards, or destructive corrosion. Reference appropriate methods for such evaluations, such as the ASTM E 2012-00 standard.
Revise the appendix of NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids, emphasizing the need to evaluate potential incompatibilities when dusts, fumes, or vapors are intermixed in vent collection systems to ensure that they do not result in fire or explosion hazards, or destructive corrosion. Reference appropriate methods for such evaluations, such as the ASTM E 2012-00 standard.
As a part of the engineering process, implement formal process safety review procedures for projects involving chemical processes- including the vent collection system. Incorporate a process hazard analysis, reactive chemical hazard evaluation, and design evaluation consistent with applicable codes and standards.
Implement a management-of-change program and ensure that reviews are conducted for any proposed changes to the vent collection system and its connected processes.
Implement a preventive maintenance program for the vent collection system that includes regular inspections training and troubleshooting.
Work with the Cranston Fire Department to improve the facility's emergency response plan, including emergency response procedures and interface with the surrounding community. Submit the plan to the fire department for review.