These videos are eye-opening, and we recommend watching them with discretion. Below we have some of the most devastating chemical explosions in recent history. These are the unfortunate outcome of misappropriated resources, reluctance to use advanced technology available (that is constantly being improved upon), and some managerial mistakes.
The first happened at a rocket fuel plant in Henderson, Nevada. The plant was manufacturing rocket fuel for the space shuttle program, and the event took place in 1986. Rocket fuel is inherently explosive in nature, and the combustibility required to fire rockets is what lead to the explosion. It is documented as one of the largest explosions that took place on a chemical plant ever. Chemical plants often employ US HAZMAT Rentals in order to store some of their hazardous materials, and due to our rigidity in meeting all standards and compliance regulations we remain one of the safest options available. Chemical storage technology has advanced significantly in the past few decades, and many of these chemical explosions below would have been prevented if the plants had went with us. All of these incidents below of have been investigated by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board. The results indicate what most people would suspect, even our engineers and experts here at U.S. HAZMAT Rentals. Technology is always making this business easier, but not following the standard regulations is what generally causes these events. This is just what we are good at.
Henderson, Nevada Rocket Fuel Plant
The rocket fuel plant caused a massive explosion that was documented to have been felt over half-a-thousand miles away, and was registered as 3.5 on the Richter Scale. That scale is a massive earthquake by itself, and with the location harboring fuel the fire and flames caused smoke and smell for miles as well. The plant was suspected to be worth around $100 million dollars. This explosion was devastating monetarily, but also removed a large amount of public faith in the space shuttle program with the Challenger explosion happening only two years earlier. Unfortunately, the cause of the explosion was exactly what US HAZMAT specializes in, storage. The fuel was sealed into bins and stored in containers not unlike the lockers we offer, only not as well regulated. The containers eventually were filled, and new ones had to be built. The new containers were not properly constructed, and when one went several containers exploded in a chain reaction. The initial spark was caused by welders igniting some of the fuel whilst constructing the new storage lockers.
William Olefin’s Geismar Plant, Louisiana
In Lousiana, the Olefin’s Geismar plant exploded after a “re-boiler” ruptured. Many were injured in the explosion, and and two died. The fire ignited a cloud of vapor, and the cause is unknown to this day. This unfortunately could have been mitigated by more anti-inflammatory measures being taken, as well as some explosion proof storage lockers.
Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Dozens of people were injured in this fire, and one firefighter was killed. This chemical plant manufactured some of the chemical components that were used to make baby diapers. This resin is actually highly flammable, and a reaction took place when a small fire started in an acid tank. The firefighters tried to put the fire out with water instead of using a chemical mixture required to put the specific type of fire out. This situation is one example of why professionals like US HAZMAT Rentals should be in charge of finding out the standards involved in your chemical storage. Firefighters are heroes, but they aren’t educated in chemical storage compliance, they’re educated to navigate emergencies and save lives. The fires spread to the resin tanks, and they explosion took place.
Chevron Refinery in Richmond, California
Richmond, California is home to the Chevron Oil refinery. The explosion happened when an old pipe that had most likely not been renovated since the 1970’s leaked profusely for a few hours before being discovered. In an effort to remedy the situation, workers stripped the insulation unit and sparked the crude oil still leaking from the pipe. The workers were injured by the burning chemicals, and the entire area was injured due to the chemicals in the smoke. This incident was caused simply by negligence, which is no where in our wheelhouse. US HAZMAT is constantly researching and finding ways to meet and/or exceed compliance standards.
Danlin Chemical Power Plant
In Custer County, Oklahoma, a fire at the local chemical plant caused a large amount of residents to be evacuated. The chemical fire was massive in size, and shot high in the air over the area. News teams documented no reports of injuries, and due to the dangerous nature of the smoke and fire the local authorities let the fire burn away.
These types of situations are extremely dangerous, as illustrated above, but can often be prevented by some extensive chemical storage rentals. The best way to prevent a mishap like the ones above is to go with US HAZMAT Rentals. Call in today for a free consultation, we’ll do the work, you stay safe.
