Hazardous Area Fires / Explosions 2

[Ahr35181]

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction in obtaining factual cases of fires / explosions in hazardous areas caused by static electricity, non suitable electrical equipment, non compliant electrical equipment installation practice, non compliant electrical working practice or lack of maintenance to electrical equipment in hazardous areas.

It’s all well & good understanding legislation & standards we have to work to, but knowledge of factual cases would be a great asset,

Thanks in advance,

Alan

 

[jraef]

Here is a good one. He has a forum as well, you might want to post your request there.

http://www.joetedesco.com/usaviolations.htm

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

 

[GOTWW]

There are probably allot of "presedents(sp)", cases, etc, based on trial-lawsuit judgements. Workers-compensation etc. cases would be a place to look, that is if this information is available by a search engine. Maybe if you are a lawer you have access to such tools.

 

[Comcokid]

Here is a sample of several involving cell phones in intrinsically safe areas. The first two involve oil wells, and the last one a guy pumping gas at a service station.

http://www.mms.gov/safetyalerts/5.htm

http://www.kilgorenewsherald.com/story32.shtml

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/cell_fires.html

There was also a number of incidents about 8 years ago involving plastic fuel tanks on farm vehicles. Plastic fuel tanks on farm equipment came into use about 10 years ago. The inside of the tank would build up a static charge which would discharge to the fuel hose when the the vehicle was fueled, igniting the fuel vapors. Changes in materials and other precautions have since addressed this issue.

 

[advidana]

try the NFPA web site

 

[resqcapt19]

Take a look at this short clip from a gas station security camera.

http://www.electrical-contractor.net/Forum/Safety/gasfireclip02-13-04.avi

 

[eemotor]

Discovery Channel aired recently an interesting show called "Myth Busters" where the hosts of the show tried to replicate the results of using a cell phone at a gas station. I don't know how scientific was there study, nonetheless, it was still somewhat informative. If I remember correctly, the conclusion was that most explosions at the gas stations were due to the static electricity created by people's clothing while getting in and out of the cars, which would in turn create a spark when a person would touch the gas pump handle.