tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964719845369935777.post2973458299223178096..comments2024-03-27T21:23:40.339-04:00Comments on Chemjobber: Process Wednesday: more on static electricityChemjobberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15932113680515602275noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964719845369935777.post-89862023879212817492015-09-18T15:25:26.573-04:002015-09-18T15:25:26.573-04:00I had the unfortunate privilege of observing the i...I had the unfortunate privilege of observing the ignition of two solvent fires caused by static discharge. In one MTBE was being pumped (air-driven PTFE diaphragm pump, PTFE corrugated tubing) to hose down the reactor walls. The operator suffered second degree burns to 20% of his body. In another incident hexane was drained from a 30L glass reactor body and free-falling about 2 ft into a PE bucket (a "homer"). The operator suffered minor burns and severe lacerations from flying glass shards.<br /><br />It is very hard to communicate the hazards of black and grey swans - once in a lifetime incidents that don't cause massive casualties. It is even harder to make the lessons learned stick. Habits change for a short time after they happen and slowly slide back to the old "normal".SJnoreply@blogger.com