[Work Safety Exposure Platform] LPG companies place metal weights in explosion-proof areas, and cable ends lack explosion protection

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Recently, a reporter accompanied Group 17 of the comprehensive inspection team from the State Council Safety Committee to Fujian Province to participate in the spot checks related to the special rectification efforts aimed at addressing major safety hazards. During the inspection, the team identified various issues, such as the liquefied gas companies failing to pay enough attention to explosion prevention and the fact that some firecracker manufacturing firms had kitchens set up in their duty rooms. They immediately issued requirements for rectification, and at the same time reminded the relevant personnel in these companies, ensuring that both inspection and education were carried out effectively. The explosion prevention issues in LPG enterprises are prominent. During the inspections, the inspection teams combined visible inspections with covert visits, as well as regular checks with random sampling, going straight to the grassroots levels and the actual sites to conduct on-site random inspections. At Putian Jinyi Daming Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd., the inspection team found that there were non-explosion-proof metal tools in the company’s filling room – a metal weight was lying on the floor. “What is this weight used for? ”The inspection team members asked questions. “I accidentally left it here. ”The on-site manager of the company replied. The inspection team noted that the excess inlet ports of the explosion-proof junction box at the filling station (reserved area) were not sealed, resulting in the electrical equipment at the entire filling station failing to meet explosion-proof requirements. “This cable is too dangerous; during production, the small sparks generated by static electricity can be enough to cause safety accidents! ”The inspection team members sternly stated, “You must immediately shut down and make corrections.” Metal weights are placed in the explosion-proof area, and the cable ends are not explosion-proof; your production process poses significant safety risks. ” “We will make the corrections right away. ”The on-site manager of the company immediately spoke out. Subsequently, the inspection team pointed out other issues with the company, including detached combustible gas detectors and insufficient height, as well as the fact that all holes passing through walls and fire barriers had not been filled with flame-retardant materials. At the Hongyuan LPG station of Hongyuan Petroleum Products Co., Ltd. in Longhai District, Zhangzhou City, the inspection team identified numerous similar issues: there was a metal shed right at the entrance of the company; metal chairs were present in the area where liquefied petroleum gas compressors are located; the covers of the water seal wells in the storage tank area were made of flammable metal materials; metal tools were found inside the tank area; the sealing materials used to cover the holes in the fire barriers through which pipes passed were also flammable; and the wiring threads of the explosion-proof electrical steel pipes lacked gaskets and sealants. Subsequently, the inspection team asked the company’s staff to test several combustible gas detection alarms on site. A staff member casually picked up a gas cylinder, turned on the valve, and released gas into the alarm device; an pungent odor immediately filled the air. “Doing this is purely to create a gas leak artificially; tests must use standard gases. ”The inspection team members said. Subsequently, the inspection team reviewed the enterprise’s combustible gas detector test reports and leak alarm records, and found that one handheld combustible gas detector lacked a test report, and there were no records of any actions taken in response to combustible gas leaks. The inspection team immediately requested the company to send the handheld combustible gas detectors for testing, and at the same time provided training to the relevant personnel on the procedures for handling alarms, requiring them to strictly follow those procedures and keep accurate records. In light of the above situation, the inspection team ordered the company to suspend operations for rectification. The company’s representative stated that they would accept all the issues identified by the inspection team and take immediate action to address them. The inspection team members pointed out that a large number of accidents demonstrate that many gas companies do not pay enough attention to preventive measures, focusing instead only on dealing with incidents after they occur and learning from them. This management model has many disadvantages. Companies should prioritize safety and take preventive measures to address potential risks before they arise, remain vigilant at all times, and make safety management a habit, striving to eliminate any potential hazards at their earliest stage.