Residual alcohol in the container during welding

Main course of the accident

A pharmaceutical factory sent a leaking alcohol barrel to the repair team for welding. Soon after the welder started welding, the barrel exploded. The flying barrel cover directly cracked the welder's head, causing his death on the spot.

Main cause of the accident

The alcohol barrel was not cleaned before welding, and there was alcohol residue in the barrel. Alcohol is very volatile and forms an explosive mixed gas with air in a closed container, which will ignite and explode during gas welding.

How to prevent accidents?

(1) The container containing alcohol must be cleaned with clean water before welding, and the barrel cover must be opened for welding;

(2) Before welding, the welder must find out what kind of flammable and explosive items the container has contained and complete the cleaning. Blind welding is strictly prohibited.