Mistakenly using oxygen instead of compressed air, causing explosion

The dangerous incident involving the welder in a hardware store who utilized oxygen instead of compressed air during a compressor repair underscores critical safety failures and errors in the welding industry. The tragedy unfolded when the welder, tasked with fixing a compressor and condenser, faced a pressure test that initially lacked the necessary compressed air. Seeking to complete the task promptly, he opted to use oxygen, a decision that proved fatal. When the pressure test reached 0.98MPa, the compressor began to leak. Unaware of the impending danger, the welder attempted to seal the leak by welding under pressure. As soon as the arc was struck, the compressor exploded, triggering a devastating blast that demolished the store, killed the welder instantly, and inflicted injuries on numerous bystanders.

This incident highlights multiple layers of negligence and ignorance regarding basic safety protocols. Firstly, hardware stores are inherently unsuitable as welding sites due to their lack of proper ventilation, safety measures, and controlled environments necessary for such high-risk activities. Secondly, proper procedures dictate that all hole covers should be opened before initiating any welding to prevent pressure build-up. Welding under pressure, especially without ensuring a zero-pressure scenario, can lead to catastrophic failures. Lastly, and most crucially, it is a cardinal rule in the industry to never substitute oxygen for compressed air in pressure tests. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas, and its misuse in pressure tests can lead to rapid combustion and explosions when exposed to sparks or heat. This fundamental error of using oxygen instead of compressed air directly led to the tragic explosion. This fatal mistake underpins the need for stringent adherence to established safety norms and continuous training for welders. Comprehensive knowledge and respect for the hazardous materials and procedures involved in welding are not merely theoretical but life-saving.

Furthermore, this accident serves as a grim reminder to employers and industry regulators to enforce rigid safety standards, ensure appropriate work environments, and provide welders with thorough education and rigorous safety training. Adhering to these protocols could prevent such avoidable disasters, ensuring that no more lives are needlessly lost in the pursuit of speedy repairs.