What are the common hazards in chemical industry companies?

What are the common hazards in chemical industry companies?

The hidden dangers of chemical industry companies are indeed complex, but don't worry, I have sorted them out for you. They mainly focus on five aspects: equipment and facilities, processes, electrical, fire protection, and management, each of which may contain risks.

1、 Hidden dangers of equipment and facilities

This is the most intuitive category, mainly involving key equipment such as reaction vessels and storage tanks.

Reactor problems: such as gearbox failure, seal leakage, failure of safety valve annual inspection, malfunction of temperature and pressure instruments, and even overload operation can all lead to serious accidents.

Storage tank and tank area risks: Failure of liquid level gauges, poor electrostatic grounding, flange leakage, misuse of atmospheric storage tanks as pressure vessels, as well as inadequate tank area cofferdams and fire dike defects are common hazards.

Risks of tanker loading and unloading: lack of grounding devices at loading and unloading locations, failure of flame arresters, poor vehicle condition, and risk of operator falling.

2、 Process safety hazards

This type of hidden danger is directly related to the production process and operating procedures.

Process control failure: Out of control parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow may cause violent reactions or explosions.

Violation of operating procedures: failure to follow procedures, unfamiliarity with process indicators, failure to promptly handle process alarms, etc.

Other high-risk behaviors: using compressed air to pressurize flammable materials, using atmospheric equipment under pressure, and failing to conduct safety assessments for process changes.

3、 Electrical safety hazards

The chemical environment has extremely high requirements for electrical equipment, and hidden dangers often stem from improper selection or poor management.

Improper wiring: may lead to short circuits, electrical leakage, and cause fires and explosions.

Improper equipment selection: Ordinary electrical equipment is prone to generating electrical sparks in flammable and explosive environments.

On site electricity management is chaotic: the temporary distribution panel has no markings, no rain protection measures, and is not locked; Handheld electric tools did not achieve "one machine, one switch, one protection".

4、 Fire safety hazards

The lack or failure of fire-fighting facilities can directly lead to the expansion of accidents.

Insufficient or damaged facilities: expired fire extinguishers, no water in fire hydrants, mismatched hose connections, etc.

Imperfect fire separation: Fire is prone to spread and expand.

Lack of emergency capability: Enterprises lack necessary maintenance of fire-fighting equipment and emergency drills.

5、 Management and human factors hazards

These types of hidden dangers are often the most fundamental, involving systems, personnel, and on-site management.

Lack of system and responsibility: The main responsible person has been absent from work for a long time, has not conducted patrol inspections according to regulations, and has incomplete operation records.

Extensive on-site management: smoking in non-smoking areas, using synthetic cloth to wipe flammable liquids (which can easily generate static electricity), and using compressed air in violation of regulations.

Insufficient personnel qualifications and training: The person in charge lacks necessary experience and education in the chemical industry; Employees are not familiar with the operating procedures.

Lack of safety accessory management: For example, the emergency shut-off valve of the liquefied hydrocarbon unit has not been regularly inspected as required.