Based on the news reports, it sounds like they were mixing H2 and O2 together in a cylinder. This can be very dangerous if not done properly. Gas companies have very strict procedures on Fuel/oxidizer mixtures. Tragically explosive gas mixtures have been the cause of numerous fatal accidents worldwide. The U of Hawaii accident while not fatal caused significant damage and injury. See my article
Ngai, E., "Dangerous Gas Mixtures: Avoiding Cylinder Accidents" Specialty Gas Reporter, 2nd Qtr 2014
As this is no longer available on the SGR website, you can download from my website under files.
I have a detailed article that is 50% done on 40 years of industry experience with explosive gas mixtures and how to dispose of one. This is based on my investigations or information shared with me by companies on their incidents. I hope to finish this soon
Eugene Ngai
Chemically Speaking LLC
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> On Behalf Of James Kaufman
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 1:41 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Recent Fatality
From: "Dr. Vinod E. Madhavan" <vmadhavan**At_Symbol_Here**hbku.edu.qa>
Date: December 6, 2018 at 9:58:26 AM GMT+3
To: QEERI Safety <qeerisafety**At_Symbol_Here**hbku.edu.qa>
Subject: Safety incident happened in IISc
Dear safety team,
Good morning.
I would like to share a very recent safety incident that happened yesterday in my previous institute, Indian Institute of Science (IISc). We are striving for strict safety adherence to our institutes. This incident shows how important is safety for a workplace.
A gas cylinder is blasted with a huge sound! The accident happened while creating a shockwave as a part of an ongoing research project. One person was dead instantaneously and 3 are critically injured. The four were employees of Super-Wave Technology Pvt Ltd (SWTPL), an IISc-incubated startup headed by senior scientists at the department of aerospace engineering, IISc. More details are under investigation.
Super-Wave Technology Pvt Ltd (SWTPL)
Regards
Vinod
PS. "There's more to lab safety than just labs!"
James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
Founder/President Emeritus/Board Clerk
The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)
A Nonprofit Educational Organization for Safety in Science, Industry, and Education
192 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760-2252
508-647-1900 Fax: 508-647-0062
Cell: 508-574-6264 Res: 781-237-1335
Skype: labsafe; 508-401-7406
jim**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org www.labsafety.org
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