On Nov 28th, in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province China, a fire caused by ignition of leaked vinyl chloride was responsible for the deaths of 23 people, a further 22 people were seriously injured.
On Nov 30th, Hebei Shenghua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd claimed responsibility for the accident. It stated on its company website that the direct cause for this accident was the leakage of vinyl chloride from a gasometer, which dispersed and then ignited. The resulting fire quickly spread to engulf a fleet of articulated trucks transporting coal, killing 18 of the truck drivers.
(Video Source: NRCC)
According to an investigation conducted by MEE, response measures by operators after finding the abnormal gasometer were not correct. After the pressure decreased, the operator didn’t go to the spot to check the situation, and instead just adjusted the gas flow. The increased pressure exacerbated the situation leading to a bigger leakage.
The safety management in the company is chaotic. There is no maintenance record for gasometers since the company started manufacturing in 2012. Moreover, this is not the first time a safety accident has occurred in the company.
A chronology of accidents at Hebei Shenghua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd:
In 2013 and 2014, 2 accidents happened causing 2 dead
In 2015’s law enforcement inspection by work safety bureau in Zhangjiakou, 71 hidden dangers were reported, including the leakage of the drainage valve at the entrance of the vinyl chloride gasometer.
This accident once again highlights the lack of effective oversight and enforcement of safety regulations by local governments. In the wake of the accident, ChinaChem, the parent company of Hebei Shenghua, stated the group will conduct safety inspection focusing on 5 key checkpoints:
Training safety management team
Clarify responsibilities
Overall inspection of group SHE management framework
Investigation of safety risks of hazardous chemicals
Improve the capacity for emergency disposal
GHS Knowledge for Vinyl Chloride:
According to the guidance for the implementation of China 2015 of hazardous chemicals, vinyl chloride, CAS No.75-01-1, is classified as:
Flammable gas, category 1
Chemically unstable gas, category B
Pressurized gas
Carcinogenic, category 1A
Precautionary statement according to GB30000.3-2013 flammable gases:
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.
P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
(Check Chem-List for CN-EN paralleled table of H&P Statement )
