A fire and explosion at a plant in Iowa was caused by inadequate electrical bonding and grounding during the filling of a portable steel tank used to store a flammable liquid, according to a federal investigation.
One employee received minor injuries and the main warehouse at Barton Solvents in Des Moines was destroyed in the October 2007 fire and explosion.
The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) report makes recommendations for handling and storing flammables:
- Ensure equipment is bonded, grounded and designed for flammable service.
- Use dip pipes when top-filling portable tanks.
- Install fire suppression systems in flammable packaging areas, and
- Separate flammable packaging areas from bulk storage areas.
For more information on the Barton explosion and advice from CSB, click here.
