Explosion of an Autoclave in a Laboratory
A researcher was conducting an experiment that involved sawdust being heated at pressure using hydrogen gas in an laboratory-scale autoclave.The gas leaked from the autoclave during the experiment and ignited, causing injuries to the scientist (cuts, bruises and facial burns).The explosion caused extensive damage to the building, propelling debris more than 20 metres into a garden area.
Event Date
June 6, 2017
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
autoclave
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Inhabited Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The experiment involved sawdust and hydrogen. The goals are unknown.
Lessons Learned
The legally binding investigation requests included:- A virtual and augmented reality training package to identify and control work health and safety risks in laboratories, and made publicly available- Upgrading existing project management systems to include health and safety risk management- Technical guidance to support hazard identification in high-risk environments for new projects and equipment at CSIRO and across the research industry.
Emergency Action
Unknown
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category