| Case Name |
Fire of paint grounds accumulated at painting equipment of a medium-diameter steel pipe factory of an ironworks |
| Pictograph |
|
| Date |
February 3, 1988 |
| Place |
Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Location |
Ironworks |
| Overview |
A fire occurred at a painting machine of a steel pipe paint line in a steel mill. There is a high possibility of heat accumulation ignition of painting grounds accumulated in the painting machine. Lack of awareness of ignition risk of painting grounds as well as inadequate site management, which has left a large amount of paint grounds accumulating in the painting machine, are presumed to be factors of the accident. |
| Incident |
A fire broke out inside the painting machine on a steel pipe painting line of a steel mill. The painting material was phenolic resin including linseed oil, and a large amount of its leavings accumulated in the machine, and adhered to the filter of the local exhauster. Refer to Fig2. |
| Processing |
Consumption and usage |
| Substance |
Phenolic resin |
| Type of Accident |
Fire |
| Sequence |
After painting workers left the site for a meal, the foreman detected fire in the painting machine, reported it, and took refuge. |
| Cause |
Painting leavings accumulated in the painting machine and reached the roller. It is considered that the fire was caused either by frictional heat of paint grounds with the roller or from oxidation of grounds adhering to the filter. |
| Countermeasures |
The structure of the painting machine was redesigned to prevent grounds from accumulating. More frequent cleaning and exchanges of filters are also planned. |
| Knowledge Comment |
Although there are many cases of fire from painting grounds, the hazard is not properly recognized. It should be noted that the damage costs are high. |
| Background |
Inadequate management of the facilities seems to be a major factor. Operators should understand that grounds of painting material are combustibles. Grounds of painting material contain air, and are easily oxidized by increasing the aerial contact area as they adhere to filters. Having left the paint grounds pilling up seems to be the result of a lack of education or inadequate management of the site. |
| Incidental Discussion |
Against the fire hazard of painting grounds in a painting machine, a washing booth is the safest solution, though water treatment is required. On using a dry-type booth, frequent exchanges of filters and use of incombustible material, temperature monitoring, etc. are recommended. As ignitability differs depending on the type of painting material, the risk should be assessed in advance. |
| Reason for Adding to DB |
A typical fire accident due to accumulated heat |
| Scenario |
| Primary Scenario
|
Poor Value Perception, Poor Safety Awareness, Insufficient Recognition of Risk, Ignorance, Insufficient Knowledge, Convincement, Planning and Design, Poor Planning, Poor Design, Usage, Operation/Use, Operation of Machine, Regular Movement, Careless Movement, Insufficient Cleaning, Bad Event, Chemical Phenomenon, Heat Generation/Ignition, Secondary Damage, External Damage, Fire, Loss to Organization, Economic Loss, Direct Monetary Damage 46 million yen
|
|
| Sources |
Kawasaki city Fire fighting station Prevention division Peace section. Outline of fire at medium-diameter steel pipe shop painting equipment in N iron steel Co., K steel works. Material of the Kawasaki City Complex safety countermeasure committee.
|
| Physical Damage |
Painting facilities, tables, pneumatic piping, the ceiling, and walls of facilities, and paint grounds were damaged by a fire. Paint hung inside like icicles. |
| Financial Cost |
¥ 46 million. (Material of the Kawasaki City Complex safety countermeasure committee) |
| Multimedia Files |
Fig2.Outlook of painting equipment
|
| Field |
Chemicals and Plants
|
| Author |
WAKAKURA, Masahide (Kanagawa Industrial Technology Research Institute)
TAMURA, Masamitsu (Center for Risk Management and Safety Sciences, Yokohama National University)
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