Disclaimer: The Lessons Learned Database includes the incidents that were voluntarily submitted. The database is not a comprehensive source for all incidents that have occurred.
Based on the results of the company investigation and analysis of an amateur video, the company determined that the incident could have been caused by the failure of one of the following plant components:
· pipes leading to the reactor…
The root cause of the fire that burned the evaporator pad and distorted the plastic evaporator pad bracket remains unknown. The initial investigation did not reveal any obvious signs of an ignition source in the vicinity of the forklift operation…
It appears that this was an isolated event caused by human error. The lessons learned are: (1) to caution workers to maintain their focus during fuel cell stack assembly, (2) to require verification that all tools and spare parts are accounted…
A hydrogen release of this type is a significant event. The event highlighted a number of procedural contributing factors that will influence the manner in which these fuel cell systems will be serviced in the future. A complicating factor in…
Procedures for safe handling of compressed gas cylinders, marking design of gas cylinders and connecting lines, and arrangement of cylinders were reviewed and modified as necessary. The spectrometer was returned to the manufacturer for a careful…
An investigative communication notes that "mechanical integrity programs at refineries repeatedly emphasize inspection strategies rather then the use of inherently safer design to control the damage mechanisms that ultimately cause major process…
The researcher's failure to pull the fire alarm was an oversight of required facility practice. The alarm should have been triggered in consideration of the potential for greater harm to personnel and facilities.
Hot, reacting ammonia…
The procedure for disposal of spent or partially spent AB has been modified so that it does not include the use of water. Instead, the AB is removed from containers and transferred for disposal by rinsing with mineral oil, silicone oil or other…
Maintain an internal process for verifying component wetted material compatibility for intended use as part of the procurement process for hydrogen system equipment. It is critical that component parts be appropriately rated for the materials,…
Implement rigorous assembly, verification, and documentation procedures for equipment.
Increase automated leak detection frequency.
The project team concluded that the jar contained a sufficient vapor pressure of isopropanol to ignite when it came into contact with the decomposing hydride. The lesson learned was that hydrides react rapidly in air and can lead to combustion of…
As stated on the MSDS and also on the container labels, LiAlH4 should be handled under argon. LiAlH4 is advertised and sold as a powder. If the researcher had to scrape it out of the jar, then it was no longer a powder, which seems indicative of…
Because the bottle was located outside at the time of the event, and the hydrogen did not find a source of ignition while venting through the relief valve, nothing serious happened. The failed regulator was replaced and operations continued.…
Three root-causes were noted during the investigation: (1) the use of incompatible materials in the manufacturing of the PRD valve, (2) improper assembly resulting in over-torquing of the inner assembly, and (3) over-hardening of the inner…
During charging, most batteries will offgas hydrogen, making adequate ventilation and the elimination of ignition sources critical attributes of the charging area. Data from the battery manufacturer should be consulted to determine appropriate…
Process changes have been implemented for development and review of safety basis documents that focus on a collaborative effort between the preparer and reviewers in order to provide a more in-depth review. This change is anticipated to provide…
1. Combustible gas detectors calibrated for hydrogen can falsely report hydrogen alarms due the presence of other gases the detector may pick up, such as carbon monoxide from engine exhaust or other sources. Since this event occurred, two…
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