- Hand Tools
- Chisel
- Heating Equipment
- Refuse Incinerator
The investigation determined that hydrogen was formed by the reaction of hot aluminum and water, air was admitted via the inspection door, and the mixture was ignited by the hot clinker or sparks from the chisel. Aluminum should have been separated from the refuse prior to feeding it to the incinerator, and this incident could have been avoided. Specific lessons learned included:
Incineration of crushed material with a high aluminum content was stopped.
Nitrogen should be used for purging combustible gas generated when blockage is removed.
Sufficient cooling time and safety confirmation steps must be completed prior to removing any blockage.
Water injection is no longer allowed. - An industrial camera and thermometer were installed for early detection of blockage.
The capacity of the ash pusher was increased.
Standard operating procedures were prepared for employees to follow.
A warning was issued to the public emphasizing the need for complete separation of combustibles and non-combustibles from their refuse.