Leakage of gas facilities without air respirator operation Mild poisoning

After the Accident

Liu Biao, the team leader of the No. 1 Blast Furnace Feeding Team, noticed that the pressure had equalized with the pressure distribution system. He immediately contacted the maintenance crew to address the issue. Once Qinmou, Sun Mou, Deng Mou, and other maintenance personnel arrived on site, Liu instructed them to proceed with the operation. The main control room then deactivated the pressure equalization and venting system and switched it to accident mode. At that time, the accident diverter was tested on-site, and no equipment was taken out of service. While the maintenance team was working on the equalizing valve to release some gas from the flange, Deng, a maintenance engineer, was slightly exposed to gas. He later reported feeling dizzy. Liu, Sun, and Qin quickly took Deng to the air outlet and notified the dispatcher to bring an oxygen bag for him.

Accident Analysis
1. The maintenance team failed to take proper safety precautions before starting the work. They did not use an air respirator or follow safety protocols while dealing with the pressure equalization system. This lack of caution was the primary cause of the incident.
2. Deng, the maintenance engineer, lacked awareness of the potential hazards associated with gas facilities. He did not implement any protective measures during the repair process, which put him at risk.

Lessons Learned from the Accident
1. Any maintenance or emergency repairs involving gas systems must be coordinated with a gas technician or the safety department. All necessary safety measures should be in place, and workers must wear air respirators when handling such tasks.
2. Before starting any work, the wind direction should be determined. Maintenance personnel should always position themselves upwind, away from the air outlet, to avoid exposure to harmful gases.

Additional Notes
This incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety procedures, especially when working with high-risk systems like blast furnaces. It also emphasizes the need for regular training and awareness programs to ensure that all staff understand the dangers involved in gas-related operations. Furthermore, clear communication between teams and immediate response protocols are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.