Three workers died in flash fire at a heat exchanger

A fatal workplace accident took place this year while a group of workers were de-blinding a pipe of a heat exchanger when flammable liquid suddenly flowed out from the pipe. The workers attempted to dilute the liquid with water but a fire broke out and engulfed the area near the heat exchanger. 3 workers were killed.

Advisory Note for blinding or de-blinding work(Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

De-blinding is the process of removing metal plates inserted in-between pipe segments. The metal plates are usually inserted to prevent flow of substances from one part of the piping system to another part of the system.
1. Conduct risk assessments and establish safe work procedures for blinding and de-blinding of pipes during maintenance of process equipment. Factors such as valve leakages should be considered in the risk assessment. Click HERE to download the Fire Risk Assessment Guide produced by the National Fire Prevention Council of Singapore (NFPC).
2. Establish effective emergency procedures in response to events such as unintended chemical release or fire.
3. Ensure that fire escape routes are readily accessible.
4. Ensure that fire fighting equipment and containment for chemical spillage are readily available.
5. Ensure that sources of ignition such as hot surfaces or hot work are not present in the vicinity where blinding, de-blinding or pipe dismantling work is carried out.

(Extracted from OSH Alert dated 2 July 2007)