Safety Flash
Explosion caused by ignition of paint vapour
Explosion caused by ignition of paint vapour
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 07/01
- ExplosionHazardous SubstancesHot Work and FirePermit to Work
- ExplosionHazardous substancesRisk management
- Storage tanks
- Ignition source controlOperating and work proceduresRisk assessmentVentilation
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A barge water tank exploded after solvent vapours from curing epoxy paint accumulated without mechanical ventilation. Escaping vapours reached a non-ex-rated electric fan ventilating an adjacent tank and flashed back. Nobody was injured, but structural damage occurred. The flash highlights unassessed curing hazards, unavailable safety information and recommendations for formal risk assessment.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Ventilation; forced ventilation.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Unventilated paint solvent vapours formed an explosive atmosphere and ignited after reaching a non-rated electrical fan.
IMCA SF 07/01. Themes: explosion, hazardous substances, hot work and fire, permit to work.