Gas cutting gasoline barrel explodes

In an unfortunate incident at a certain unit, a gasoline barrel explosion caused severe injuries to a gas welder due to insufficient safety protocols during gas cutting.

The incident unfolded when an empty barrel that previously contained gasoline was pulled in by a car. Without much formal procedure, the unit's officials directly engaged gas welder A to separate the barrel into two parts. Recognizing the potential hazards, welder A wisely insisted on cleaning the barrel before proceeding with the cutting. Addressing this request, two soldiers took up the task and returned an hour later, reporting that they had cleaned the barrel twice using two kilograms of alkali and hot water, followed by two rinses with clean water. Assured by their declaration, welder A proceeded to open the barrel's lid, positioning it horizontally on the ground. As welder A stood at one end, cautiously initiating the cut with his torch, a catastrophic explosion ensued, shattering his legs.

Subsequent investigation revealed two primary causes: the barrel was not thoroughly cleaned, leaving residual gasoline and vapor inside, which the cutting flame ignited, and the absence of a gas analysis post-cleaning, leading to an uninformed and hazardous cutting operation. This tragic accident underscores crucial lessons and preventive measures necessary for handling such tasks. Firstly, containers that previously held fuel must be meticulously cleaned, replaced, and the cleaning efficacy validated through rigorous gas analysis and testing. Only upon passing such tests should any welding or cutting operations commence. Secondly, when dealing with empty oil drums, the lid should be removed, and the drum should be placed horizontally, with the operator standing to the side and not directly in line with the drum covers. This minimizes the risk of explosion and potential injuries. Ensuring such practices not only adheres to stringent safety standards but also highlights the importance of well-informed procedures in preventing life-threatening accidents.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance, thoroughness, and adherence to safety protocols in the welding profession, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like gasoline barrels.