Digest
Halon cylinder becomes rocket! — Process Safety Beacon, June 2008
Halon cylinder becomes rocket! — Process Safety Beacon, June 2008
- CCPS
- Digest
- Process Safety Beacon June 2008
- Line of FirePressure SystemsProcess Safety
- Line of fireMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenanceManual handling
- Gas cylinderValve
- Contractor managementPositive retention and reliable securing
Summary
A Halon cylinder dropped during inspection lost its valve after impact with concrete. Rapid discharge propelled it nearly 0.4 km, without injuries or significant equipment damage. The alert explains the greater thrust potential of high-flow cylinders and emphasises securing cylinders, using available valve caps and ensuring safe contractor handling.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Manual handling; manual lifting.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Summary
Beacon on a halon cylinder that became a projectile, illustrating the stored energy hazard of pressurised cylinders.
Process Safety Beacon June 2008. Themes: line of fire, pressure systems, process safety.