MARCH 6, 2015
CONOVER, N.C.
Officials at a North Carolina burn center told Channel 9 that Bill Bumgarner, the man who was flown to the
facility after suffering severe burns in an explosion near Conover early this
week, has died.
Bumgarner and his son were injured in a Monday afternoon
garage fire in Conover, officials said.
The fire was near C&B Farm Road and the garage was used
by a local grading business.
Bumgarner was flown by air ambulance to Wake Forest Medical
Center after sustaining burns to 80 percent of his body. His son, Darryl
Bumgarner, was taken to the local hospital with injuries.
The fire was ruled an accident, investigators said. They
believe the fire started after an explosion while the father and son were
working on an old fuel tank in a building along Highway 16. Welding, cutting, and
allied processes produce molten metal,
sparks, slag, and hot work surfaces. These can cause fire or explosion if precautionary measures are not followed. Unfortunately, that was the case in this fatal accident.
Frantic 911 calls were made moments after the explosion.
"Intersection C&B Farm Road and 16. (We have a)
fire now," one caller said.
"What's on fire sir?" the dispatcher asked.
"A gas tank. It exploded," the caller said.
"Is anybody hurt?" the dispatcher said.
"You need to hurry," the caller said.
Bill and Darryl Bumgarner were trying to cut open a fuel
storage tank when vapors inside ignited and exploded, investigators said.
Billy Bumgarner got the call Monday that his father Bill and
brother Darryl were working inside.
"I'm real upset about because I don't know," Billy
Bumgarner said.
He was at work in South Carolina when the fire started.
"I had people calling and asking me what was going on,
that the place was burninh down and said, ‘I don't know,’" Bumgarner said.
He said he heard his dad and brother were cutting a barrel
and it exploded.
"It just kind of reminded me of an earthquake,”
neighbor Nisha Britt said. “It was just the boom and that was it."
The garage behind the business was the only building
damaged.
"Knowing it was a business, we knew we had flammable
liquids possibly that could, we had a couple more explosions, small
explosions," said Chris Hicks, Conover Fire Department fire investigator.
Officials said Highway 16 was shut down and reopened around
5:30 p.m. Monday as hotspots and preliminary investigation of the accident went
underway.
Two firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion. One was
taken to the hospital as a precaution.
//---------------------------------------//
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
PREVENTION DURING WELDING OR CUTTING OF TANKS, DRUMS AND CONTAINERS
INTRODUCTION
Welding, cutting, and
allied processes produce molten metal,
sparks, slag, and hot work surfaces. These can cause fire or explosion if precautionary measures are not followed.
NATURE OF THE HAZARD
Flying sparks are the
main cause of fires and explosions in
welding and cutting.
Sparks can travel up
to 35 feet (10.7 meters) from the work
area. Sparks and molten metal can travel greater distances when falling. Sparks can pass through or become lodged in cracks, clothing, pipe holes, and other small openings in floors, walls, or partitions.
Typical combustible materials
inside buildings include: wood,
paper, rags, clothing, plastics, chemicals, flammable liquids and gases, and dusts.
Parts of buildings such as floors, partitions, and roofs may also be combustible.
Typical combustible materials
outside buildings include dry leaves,
grass, and brush.
Welding and cutting can
cause explosions in spaces containing
flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts.
Special precautions are needed for any work on containers (see American Welding Society AWS
F4.1).
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Develop adequate procedures,
and use proper equipment to do the job
safely.
When Required obtain
a Hot-Work Permit (See NFPA 51B).
Remove combustible materials
for a minimum radius of 35 feet (10.7 meters) around the work area or move the work to a location well away from combustible materials.
If relocation is not
possible, protect combustibles with covers made of fire- resistant material.
If possible, enclose
the work area with portable, fire-resistant screens.
Cover or block all openings,
such as doorways, windows, cracks, or other openings with fire resistant material.
Do not weld on or cut
material having a combustible coating
or internal structure, such as in
walls or ceilings, without an appropriate method for eliminating the hazard.
When needed, have a qualified firewatcher in the work area during and for at least 30 minutes after the job is finished.
After welding or cutting,
make a thorough examination of the area for evidence of fire. Remember
that easily visible smoke or flame may
not be present for some time after the fire has started.
Do not dispose of hot
slag in containers holding combustible
material.
Keep appropriate
fire extinguishing equipment nearby,
and know how to use it.
Make sure all electrical
equipment and wiring are installed properly
and have recommended circuit protection.
Do not overload or improperly
size input conductors and/or weld output conductors to avoid equipment and building fire hazards.
Connect the work cable
to the work as close to the welding area
as practical.
Do not weld or cut
in atmospheres containing reactive, toxic, or flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dust.
Do not apply heat to
a workpiece covered by an unknown substance
or coating that can produce flammable, toxic, or reactive vapors when heated.
Do not apply heat to a container that has held an unknown substance
or a combustible material unless container is made or declared safe. (see AWS F4.1).
Provide adequate ventilation
in work areas to prevent accumulation
of flammable gases, vapors, or dusts.
SUMMARY
Remember that sparks
can travel up to a radius of 35 feet (10.7 meters) from the work and pass through or become lodged in all kinds of openings and cause fires where least expected. Recognize that sparks can travel well beyond the 35 foot (10.7 meters) radius when falling or during plasma arc cutting and air carbon arc cutting or gouging. Remove combustible materials
and prevent flammable gases, vapors, and
dusts from accumulating in the work area
to reduce the possibility of a fire or
explosion. Always have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment nearby, and know how to use it.
Fires and explosions
can be prevented by being aware of your
surroundings, minimizing the combustibles
in them, and taking the appropriate protective precautions.
INFORMATION SOURCES
American National
Standards Institute (ANSI). Safety
in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes,
Z49.1, available from American Welding
Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami,
FL 33126. Phone
800-443-9353; Web site: www.aws.org.
National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), Standard for Fire
Prevention During Welding, Cutting,
and Other Hot Work, NFPA 51B, available
from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts USA 02269-9101. Phone: 617-770-3000; Web site: www.nfpa.org.
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). Code
of Federal Regulations,Title 29 Labor, Chapter XVII, Parts 1901.1 to 1910.1450,
available from Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Phone: 866-512-1800; Web
site: www.osha.gov.
American Welding
Society (AWS). Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers or Piping, AWS F4.1, available from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. Phone: 800-443-9353; Web site: www.aws.org.
American Welding
Society (AWS). Fire Safety in Welding
and Cutting, Pamphlet, available from
the American Welding Society, 550 N.W.
LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. Phone:
800-443-9353; Web site: www.aws.org.
Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA). Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 30 Mineral Resources, Parts 1-199, available from
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954,
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Phone: 866-512-1800; Web site: www.msha.gov.
//-----------------------------------------------//
On a cargo vessel,
fire occurred in the mast house where oxygen and acetylene cylinders were
stored. The crew had arranged two gas torches in tandem for carrying out hot
work on the windlass drum. Both the torches were connected in parallel from the
same pair of gas cylinders by temporarily fitting “standard” t-joints at the
regulator valves. At sometime during the hot work, it was decided to use one
gas torch to carryout brazing repair work on the other torch while it was
connected to the pressurized gas hoses.
Flashback from the
torch being heated travelled through the hoses up to the mast house, rupturing
the hoses at the regulator valve connections and causing a fire inside.
Fortunately, the backfire arrestors on the regulators prevented a major
explosion of the cylinders.
Such hazardous
accidents can take place on any kind of ship if proper precautions are not
taken while handling gas welding/cutting on board ships.
Compressed gas
cylinders are used in ship’s engine room and deck for a variety of repair
and manufacturing operations. The two most used types of gas cylinders for this
purpose are oxygen and acetylene.
When performing gas
welding or cutting operation, following practical tips must be considered for
safety and efficiency of operations and to avoid accidents while carrying out deck operations :
1. Secure in Vertical Position: Compressed gas cylinders must be handled
with utmost care and always be secured in vertical position even if
they are full or empty. Full and empty cylinders to be segregated and
marked clearly.
2. Store in Right Spaces: Never store oxygen and acetylene cylinder together in one space
whenever possible. Keep them separately in well ventilated spaces. Ensure when
not in use, their caps should always be on them.
3. Keep Grease and Oil Away: Control valves and fittings should be kept free of oil and grease.
Never operate cylinder valves and parts with oily and greasy hands.
4. Ensure Flame Arresters Are Properly Fitted: Ensure non-return valves and flame arresters
are fitted in the acetylene and oxygen cylinder lines. One flame arresters is
normally fitted in the low pressure side of the regulator near cylinder and
other near the torch.
5. Keep Pressure of Oxygen Higher: When performing gas welding, ensure the
pressure of oxygen is always higher than the acetylene to avoid acetylene going
back to the oxygen line.
6. Handle Acetylene With Care: Acetylene should not be used for welding at
a pressure exceeding 1 bar of atmosphere gauge as it is liable to explode, even
in the absence of air, when under excessive pressure.
7. Rectify Cause of Backfire: In case of back fire, the first priority
should be to close the oxygen valve and then immediately close the acetylene
valve. No operation is to be performed until the cause of backfire is
rectified.
8. Handle Flashback carefully: In case of flashback or explosion of the gas
pipes, first action must be to isolate the cylinder valves for both the
cylinders. Further action to be taken as per ship’s fire drill procedures.
9. Ensure Proper Connections: The connections between the hose and
blowpipe, and between hoses should be securely fixed with fittings
to comply with Regulatory Standard.
10. Keep a Steady Watch: A regular watch to be kept on the temperature of acetylene cylinder.
If the temperature is elevating, it is to be considered same as flashback or
explosion situation for taking action.
11. Prevent Interchange of Hoses: Manifold hose connections including inlet
and outlet connections should be such that the hose cannot be interchanged
between fuel gases and oxygen manifolds and headers.
12 Replace Old and Faulty Hoses: Any hose in which flashback has occurred
must be replaced with new one.
13. Handle Hoses Properly: While performing the job, the hoses should be laid properly and kept
out of any moving machinery, sharp corners, high temperature areas etc. Ensure
they are not dangled, knitted or tipped over.
14. Use Only Approved leak detection fluid: Only approved leak detection fluid to
be used for detection of leak from hose or regulator arrangement. If it is not
available, non-detergent soap (Ivory)
can be used.
15. Never Use Sealing Tape: Never use sealing tape of metal joining material to prevent leak
between metal to metal gas tight joints. With an oxygen cylinder this could
result in initiation of a metal- oxygen fire.
16. Never Over Tight Connections: Never try to over tight any nut of regulator
connection or cylinder valve spindle to stop the leak. This can lead to damage.
17. Take Proper Steps for Maintenance: Only special tools should be used to clean
any clogging in the blow pipe. Before performing any maintenance, complete
system to be isolated. Never attempt repairs on pressurized oxy-acetylene
equipment nor carry out any unauthorized modification on hot work equipment.
18. Use Safe Ignitors Only: Blowpipe should only be ignited with friction ignitor or other stable
flame generator. Avoid using lighter as sudden flame, else blow pipe can hit
the lighter body and explode
19. Never Use Oxygen: Oxygen should never be used for ventilation, cooling purpose or for
blowing dust off the surface or clothes.
20. Discard Hoses That Had Flashback: Any length of hose in which a flashback has
occurred should be discarded immediately.
Last
but not the least, make sure before carrying out any kind of hot work, the hot
work checklist and risk assessment forms have been duly filled. Also, do not
forget to follow all safety procedures while carrying out such jobs in enclosed
spaces.
High pressurized gas
cylinders carrying highly flammable material are a major threat to the
ship and its crew. Special care and attention must therefore be taken while
handling such equipment, taking into consideration all safety procedures and
manufacturers’ notes.
Do you know any
other important point that must be added to this list? Let’s know in the
comments below.
//-------------------------------------------//
RISK OF EXPLOSION FROM CUTTING, GRINDING OR
WELDING DRUMS, TANKS, AND CONTAINERS
We recently
investigated two fatalities where fuel tanks exploded while undergoing repairs.
This has prompted a warning from WHSQ reminding employers and workers of the
risks when cutting, grinding or welding fuel or chemical containers. If the
risks are not properly assessed, then fatal mistakes can be made.
These jobs should
only be done by persons who have adequate knowledge and skills to perform the
job properly. The job should only be done once risks have been properly
assessed and a determination made that the task is safe.
Many incidents in
the past involving cutting or welding of fuel storage tanks, truck diesel fuel
tanks and 200 L drums containing combustible liquids have seen explosions that
have resulted in severe injuries and burns. Investigations into explosions
reveal that:
·
drums
were not cleaned properly;
·
bungs
were not removed when the drums were cleaned;
·
drums
were used as trestles to support other steelworks - e.g., during
oxyacetylene cutting work; or
·
knowledge
of the hazard associated with cutting drums was lacking.
Drums that contain
residual flammable or combustible substances or vapors may explode when exposed
to heat. Additionally, drums that have contained substances such as pesticides
may release hazardous gases when exposed to heat.
The following points
should be considered when deciding on how to control the risk of explosion when
working with drums and containers.
·
Never
cut drums that have contained flammable or combustible liquids or gases. Even
drums that have been empty for a very long time can contain enough residue
substances to explode and/or emit hazardous gas when exposed to heat. Be aware
that rinsing drums with water is not a fail-safe method for purging vapors from
containers.
·
Do
not apply heat to drums that have held other chemicals such as pesticides, as
any gas emitted may cause serious harm to health. Never weld or grind near
empty drums.
·
Do
not use drums as a welding or work platform.
·
Correctly
label all drums on site.
·
Have
material safety data sheets (MSDS) available for all products.
·
Dispose
of drums appropriately.
·
Store
empty drums (with bungs removed) in a well-ventilated place, away from other
work areas.
·
If
drums are to be recycled, use a specialist. There are companies that specialize
in the correct cleaning, gas monitoring and cutting of drums.
·
Checklist
·
What
has the drum been used for?
·
Was
it a flammable or combustible liquid or gas?
·
Was
it a chemical?
·
Is
there a hazard diamond on the label?
If you answered
“yes” to Questions 2, 3 or 4, or you are unsure what has been previously stored
in the drum, do not apply heat to the drum. The fact is welding or cutting work
on containers or tanks that contain or have contained flammable or combustible
materials is dangerous when appropriate precautions are not taken. Workers
carrying out welding or cutting jobs and bystanders can be placed at risk from
fire or explosions.