MARCH 9, 2015
CINCINNATI, OHIO
A hydrogen spill and subsequent fire at a chemical plant
prompted a large response Tuesday morning.
The fire broke out at about 10:30 a.m. at Emery
Oleochemicals in the 4900 block of Este Avenue, Winton Hills, Ohio.
Commanders said the call prompted a large response because
of the amount of hydrogen and other chemicals stored at the plant.
The St. Bernard Fire Department said an alarm was sounded
when oil fell on a gasket and ignited.
Fortunately, the facility’s emergency shutoff system went
into effect and cut off the flow of hydrogen to the building before venting the
smoke and fumes.
Emery Oleochemicals makes natural-based chemicals from oils
and fats.
Emergency crews said they inspected the building once the
alarm was over to make sure everything was OK.
Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the
spill that was blamed for the fire.
Event Summary
A fire broke out at Emery Oleochemicals Plant in Cincinnati,
Ohio USA, early Tuesday Morning. The reported hydrogen explosion called for an
immediate second alarm, but firefighters contained the fire within an
hour.
Emery Oleochemicals website states that they are the leading
natural-based chemical producer with global operations in Asia Pacific, Europe
and North America. The Cincinnati plant produces natural-based Chemicals from
natural oils and fats such as palm kernel oil and tallow.
Emery Oleochemicals manufactures plastic additives, ozone
acids, oilfield chemicals, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glycerin, and
triacetine, including natural-based chemicals. These chemicals are used in
paints, coatings, adhesives, and plastics serving the automotive,
pharmaceuticals, packaging, rubber, and plastics.
Source: wcpo.com