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Affiliation
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US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, 2175 K Street, NW Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037, USA. |
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Abstract
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Chemical reactions allow for a diversity of
manufactured products. However, chemical reactivity can lead to significant
hazards if not properly understood and controlled. Uncontrolled reactions have
led to serious explosions, fires, and toxic emissions. Recent incidents at Lodi,
NJ (1995), with five fatalities; West Helena, AR (1997), with one fatality;
Paterson, NJ (1998), with nine serious injuries; Allentown, PA (1999), with five
fatalities; Whitehall, MI (1999), with one fatality; and Augusta, GA (2001),
with three fatalities, underscore the serious repercussions of reactive
incidents. These incidents, and numerous others, are compelling reasons to
carefully manage reactive chemical safety. Implementation of fundamental safety
principles--hazard identification, hazard evaluation, hazard control-throughout
a process life cycle is critical for prevention of reactive
incidents. |