The dangers and prevention of high-risk chemical raw materials

This week, I would like to share an article on the dangers and prevention of high-risk chemical raw materials one of the dangers of the workplace is like a sleeping carnivore such as Ammonium nitrate (a fertilizer and explosive compound), ammonium chloride (zawatthar), and Sodium nitrate (raw yam).

At least 137 people were killed and more than 5,000 were injured in a catastrophic chemical fire at a warehouse in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4 this year.

Like a small nuclear bomb; The chemical raw material that causes a powerful explosion like an earthquake is nothing else. It is Ammonium nitrate, which is a raw material for mines and explosives used in agricultural fertilizers and minerals.

Photo. (A photo of a giant explosion of  Ammonium Nitrite  Lebanon Beirut)

In Myanmar, on May 4, 2017, Mandalay Region; Amarapura Township DVB-TV News reports that 3,600 bags of explosive chemicals called ammonium nitrate were found in a warehouse in front of the Swe Taw Pagoda in Nat Ye Kan village. Ammonium nitrate is found in minerals, It is most commonly used in the mining industry for gold mines, as well as as a hand-made mine and as a chemical raw material that can be used as a fertilizer.

Photo. (Explosive ammonium nitrate chemicals found in a warehouse in Swe Taw Hall)

Therefore, thanks to informants, thanks also to the search and arrest teams. Special thanks to the government. I’m very lucky to have been arrested before anyone was harmed. This should be seriously considered as another alarm (Wake Up Call) for those responsible.

In fact, high levels of hazardous chemicals ammonium chloride and sodium nitrate such as ammonium nitrates have caused major fires in Burma in the past. On December 29, 2011, at around 2 am, a fire broke out at the Beya Say warehouse in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Sak San. The unfortunate explosion not only claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including innocent civilians and firefighters but also injured dozens of homes and damaged homes.

In that case, the fire at the pharmacy was caused by ammonium chloride and sodium nitrate mixed with water sprayed by firefighters. When the mixture reacts in the flames to form ammonium nitrate, it explodes into a very powerful bomb. Ammonium nitrate; Hazardous materials, such as ammonium chloride and sodium nitrate, are used for storage, sales excessive, the processing is a restricted activity that can only be licensed.

There will be clear laws and regulations for business owners to follow, there will be compulsory compliance. What types of hazardous materials are stored? And How many? Such a large-scale explosion could not have happened if the business owners had reported the number to the authorities, such as the fire department. This is because firefighters will not choose “water” as a fire extinguisher if informed.

“Ammonium nitrate explosion in Tianjin”

In the same situation as Myanmar, at least 173 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a container depot in China’s Tianjin province on Aug. 12, 2015. It was caused by illegal trading, more than 800 tons of high-hazard chemical raw materials such as ammonium nitrate, as well as other calcium carbides, sodium nitrate, and potassium nitrate.

Firefighters arrived at the scene of the blaze, which began with overheated Dry Nitrocellulose Nitrocellulose solids in the container. When did not get the right information, used Wrong Fire Extinguishing Agent “Water” to extinguish the fire, many firefighters lost their lives when calcium carbide exploded in a hive.

Photo: Ammonium nitrate explosion in Tianjin, China)

The first two explosions, equivalent to 2.9 tons of TNT and the second explosion of 21.9 tons, measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale and spreading toxic gases, injuring 797 people, 304 buildings, 12,428 new cars, and 7533 containers were damaged.

(Photo: Ammonium nitrate explosion in Tianjin, China)

“”Control the Monsters “”

Such a dangerous issue cannot be taken lightly. Effective and systematic action must be taken. Existing law; Rules should be reviewed and, if necessary, amended. Currently, there are a series of raids on other related warehouses. Warehouse owners; Business owners Send notifications to factories; Education needs to be done widely.

These carnivorous giants are high-risk raw materials for export, import, and storage Sales Permits for large-scale use are restricted businesses that should only be licensed. If you do not properly manage these destructive giants, it can be very dangerous. It can take the lives of many people and destroy many homes.

“How to control monsters in Singapore”

The Singapore government has enacted the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) regulations to control hazardous substances.

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has been set up under the National Environment Agency, to address human and environmental hazards and Control high levels of hazardous chemical raw materials. A list of hazardous substances is also published and specific rules are followed.

The Government of Singapore regulates the use of hazardous chemicals in three ways.

1) Planning control

2) Licensing control , and

3) Enforcement of the law

1) Planning control

New civil development projects; At the beginning of the pre-design phase of each new industrial business project, it is essential to take into account environmental requirements. It inspects the environment is to minimize the impact. It puts pressure on them. According to the Department of Environmental Pollution Control (PCD), these new activities are designed to make people safer and healthier (Pollution control assessment), existing laws, when checking whether it is in compliance with the rules, it is free from corruption. Corruption They make sure they do not accept bribes.

Only then will there be consistency, it is recommended to issue a Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) for new businesses. For example, warehouses for storing high-hazard chemical raw materials are inspected for compliance with the requirements for building distances from residential areas.

2) Licensing control

They are licensed and regulated under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Fire Safety Act. The purpose is to prevent unlicensed people from accessing hazardous chemicals and to reduce the risk of accidents. Even in the event of an accident, minimize the damage. Intended for easy control. Licenses for hazardous chemical raw materials are Trading license, Transportation licenses, storage licenses, and usage licenses. In addition, one of the requirements for licensing is for emergencies, Accidental fires, In the event of an accidental spill, an Emergency Response

Plan will be drawn up and submitted, including the best possible response to minimize the impact on humans and the environment.

3) Enforcement of the law

Environmental pollution officials are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations, trade and export of high-hazard chemicals in accordance with the rules and regulations, storage, transportation Use of warning signs, the collection of statistical records is carried out in the workplace to ensure compliance with the law, access to factories and warehouses, access to statistics. Full authority is granted for spot checks. If you find a violation of the law, sue. It also gives them the right to take action.

(Photo: Ammonium nitrate explosion of Container depot  in Tianjin, China)

To conclude this article, high-risk chemical raw materials, like carnivorous monsters, cannot be released to the public without restraint. It can only be safe if used properly. If left unmanaged, they are often bitten by giants and precious lives will be lost and the environment will be polluted.

TTO (SafeLand) December 10, 2020

Author- RIT

Translator- Hana M