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Since September 23, 16 comprehensive supervision and inspection teams dispatched by the State Council’s Work Safety Committee have carried out follow-up supervision and inspections as part of a thorough work safety audit in 31 provinces (regions and municipalities) as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. From November 7th to 11th, a comprehensive supervision and inspection team went to Baiyin and Jinchang cities in Gansu Province to conduct follow-up supervision and inspections as part of the safety production inspection campaign. In the electrolysis workshop of Baiyin XX Chemical Co., Ltd., thick smoke was billowing; gases emerged from the open electrolytic cells, spread throughout the workshop, and were discharged through the ceiling that was connected to the outside world. “Hydrogen can be released directly, but this method of release carries significant risks. ”Experts from the supervision and inspection team stated that the conventional method of emission involves collecting hydrogen gas inside the sealed electrolytic cell through pipes and releasing it at a height of more than two meters above the ceiling. It is understood that the reaction occurring in that workshop is one in which potassium manganese oxide is produced from electrolytic potassium manganate. What dangers arise from releasing the hydrogen generated during the reaction process directly into the workshop? Experts explain that although there are fans in the workshop to blow the hydrogen generated out through the ceiling, if these fans fail, the hydrogen in the workshop cannot be removed in time; when its concentration reaches a certain level, there is a risk of explosion or fire. Data shows that the explosive limit of hydrogen is 4.0% to 75.6%; as long as the volume concentration of hydrogen in a given space falls within this range, an explosion can occur upon exposure to an ignition source. “For example, the explosive limit of natural gas is 5% to 15%, whereas the explosive limit range for hydrogen is much wider, and its concentrations are easier to reach. ” There are many types of ignition sources, including open flames as well as less noticeable static sparks, such as the electricity carried by the human body or the static generated by friction between clothes. “If the hydrogen in the workshop is not exchanged with outside air in a timely manner and its concentration reaches over 4%, explosions are highly likely to occur due to static electricity or damaged wires on site. ”Experts say. The company’s manager on site explained that there are 8 hydrogen detection alarms installed on the roof of the workshop, which allow for timely monitoring in case the hydrogen concentration exceeds safe levels. However, upon inquiry, experts found that the alarm signals from the hydrogen gas detectors were not transmitted as required to the 24/7 manned control room or duty station. “Once the hydrogen concentration exceeds the limit, the hydrogen detection alarm gives an on-site alert, but no one in the control room or duty room is aware of it, making it impossible to take timely action. ” In addition, the supervision and inspection team found that the safety risk assessment of the company’s old equipment had not been carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the relevant documents issued by the Ministry of Emergency Management this year. The company’s manager merely stated verbally that there were no old equipment on the factory premises. “For the safety risk assessment of old equipment, it is necessary to prepare a written list of all devices within the factory area, indicating their installation dates, design lifespan, etc. The risk levels should be assessed, and potential hazards identified one by one; it is not sufficient to merely state verbally whether there are any old devices. ”Experts say.