Chemical Engineers' Chamber (KMO) Istanbul Branch Prepares Report on Industrial Fires and Explosions

According to the Istanbul Branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KMO), 541 industrial fires and explosions occurred in Turkey in 2019, with 502 classified as industrial fires and 39 as industrial explosions. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 30 workers and injuries to 134 workers. Hundreds of people were treated for exposure to suffocating and toxic gases produced by the fires. Of the detected fires and explosions, 16% occurred in metal facilities, 13% in textiles, 14% in wood, paper and furniture, 11% in rubber and plastics, and 8% in the food sector.

"541"

Number of industrial fires and explosions occurring in 2019

 

Introduction

With developments in science and technology, chemicals and chemical processes used by industrial facilities have increased. While these may facilitate production processes and daily life on one hand, uncontrolled use without proper preventive measures and improper application poses risks to both human health and the environment. Chemical substances are important production components not only for consumer goods but also for agriculture, manufacturing, construction and service sectors. Any disruption during the transport, storage, production, use and disposal of these substances can result in accidents with potential for severe damage. Hazardous chemicals include substances and/or mixtures possessing one or more of the following properties: explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable, flammable, toxic, very toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant, allergen, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction and environmentally hazardous. Hazardous chemicals have the potential to affect not only individuals or enterprises directly using these substances, but also populations, the environment and wildlife in case of possible industrial accidents. Incidents that occur cause loss of life, injuries and illnesses (potentially leading to chronic diseases in the long term) among workers and/or residents in the affected region; they negatively affect and damage air, water, soil, animals and nature in general. Industrial accidents typically occur in the form of fires, explosions and chemical dispersal. Combustion is a chemical reaction resulting from the combination of oxygen and a combustible substance in a specific ratio with an ignition source. An explosion is defined as a chemical reaction that creates a shock wave as a result of rapid combustion of all or a significant portion of a combustible substance. Combustible substances may appear in the form of gas, vapour, mist or dust. Explosions can be both chemical and physical in nature. Such explosions typically occur as a result of pressure increase. Explosions can result from fires, and fires can be triggered as a result of explosions; additionally, gases produced from the combustion reaction can create negative effects such as suffocation and toxicity.

Interpretation of 2019 Data and Comparison with 2017-2018

In 2019, at least 541 industrial fires and explosions occurred in Turkey. Of these events, 502 were industrial fires and 39 were industrial explosions. At least 30 workers died and 134 workers were injured in these industrial fires and explosions. Hundreds of people received treatment after exposure to suffocating and toxic gases produced by the fires. For evaluation purposes, only individuals admitted to hospital for treatment were counted as injured. Incidents occurring outside working hours prevented the toll from being even more severe. As seen in Graph 1, when comparing the industrial fires and explosions that occurred during 2019 to previous years, while there was a decrease in the number of injured workers, the number of deaths demonstrates the severity of the fires and explosions occurring.

Graph 1: Annual Incident/Impact Comparison

Graph 2: Annual Comparison of Fire and Explosion Numbers

[caption id="attachment_98568" align="aligncenter"]Percentage Distribution of 2019 Industrial Fires and Explosions by Sector[/caption]  

Conclusion

The sizes of firms experiencing fires and explosions vary widely. Fires and explosions occur in both large industrial facilities and workshop-type production areas, causing loss of life, injuries and significant financial losses.   To access a more detailed version of the report, you can visit http://www.kmo.org.tr.   Source