Case Study:

Unexpected Gas A man was killed by an explosion when another worker attempted to cut through the top of one of two old steel drums using a hand-held grinder. Both barrels had contained a fruit concentrate but were never cleaned. The sparks generated by the grinder ignited hydrogen gas that had been generated from the contents residue after standing for many years. Because there was a defective sterile coating separating the walls of the drum from the concentrate, the acid in the fruit concentrate reacted with the metal of the drum and formed hydrogen gas. The gas accumulated and the pressure caused the drum ends to bulge. The deformation made it impossible to open the drum with the drum opener and a hole was punched into the top of each drum. One worker was attempting to add water to one drum in order to displace the remaining gas, while another worker attempted to open the other drum with a grinder. Sparks ignited the hydrogen gas, causing an explosion and a fire. The fire was extinguished, but one worker lost his life. The defective drums had been recalled years before by the supplier, and only three remained unaccounted for before the accident.

1. Introduction (Well-developed introduction engages the reader and creates interest. Contains detailed background information)

2. Find any related theory to this case study and elaborate.

3. Q1: Some accidents occur without warning or prior notice, whilst, in many circumstances, the risk of an accident is significant and one that both the employer and the employees ought to be aware of. As a safety and health practitioner, discuss the root cause of the accident for the above case?

Q2: Accident prevention refers to the plans, preparations, and actions taken to avoid or stop an accident before it happens. Accidents can be classified as unplanned and unexpected events giving an increased risk of injury, ill-health, death and loss of property, damage to the environment, or any combination of thereof. Due to the above case, critically discuss improvement action that should be implemented in order to reduce accidents at workplace.