On the morning of the 18th, a fire broke out suddenly in a chemistry laboratory at Tsinghua University, resulting in the death of one postdoctoral researcher.

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This post was last edited by Thank goodness you're here on 2015-12-21 at 11:35. On the morning of the 18th, a fire broke out in a chemistry laboratory at Tsinghua University, resulting in the death of one postdoctoral researcher. Currently, preliminary investigation results indicate that at the time of the incident, Meng Xiangjian was conducting experiments using hydrogen in the laboratory. A chemical expert who was involved in formulating the **Regulations on Chemical Safety Management** told a reporter from Beijing Youth Daily that there might have been \"leaks\" in the laboratories at that time. “In ordinary laboratories, hydrogen is stored in steel cylinders. These cylinders are equipped with valves, pressure gauges, and flow meters for controlling the flow of gas; all of these devices have connections. If these connections are not properly sealed before entering the laboratory or after the last use, leaks can occur, allowing hydrogen to escape and accumulate inside the room. In the presence of an open flame, this can lead to an explosion. ” Experts say that the intense oxidation of hydrogen produces highly destructive shock waves, “and if these shock waves hit a wall or other solid object, they can be fatal.” ” As for the cause of the fire that broke out after the explosion in the laboratory, experts believe it may have been the high temperatures resulting from the hydrogen explosion coming into contact with flammable materials in the laboratory, \"such as wooden items, or documents and books stored there.\" ” Furthermore, chemical experts say that, at present, the safety facilities in laboratories may not be adequate. “As a **chemical**, hydrogen should, just like flammable and toxic gases, be equipped with monitoring sensors that emit alarms before the explosion point is reached. In addition, explosion-proof forced ventilation systems should also be installed to promptly remove flammable and explosive gases from the room. ”