Chemical explosion prevention processes

Experts from Lorien Engineering Solutions have advised that there are processes which can be introduced to help prevent chemical explosions, after an incident at Scunthorpe leisure centre.

'HAZOP' (HAZard and OPerability analysis) was created by ICI after concerns were raised about the safety hazards posed by the increasing size and complexity of its chemical plants.

Lorien's Andy Cooper, said: "The expected outcome of a HAZOP is the identification of process and operation risks, rated to prioritise actions. However another huge bonus that's happened on every HAZOP that I've facilitated is the increase in knowledge about the process including those who designed it, and people who have worked with it.

"We started out developing our HAZOP approach to meet the requirements of our food, drinks and pharmaceutical customers, but along the way we also provide other tools such as FMEA, Safety and Operability Reviews, DSEAR/ ATEX gap studies, HAC, CE-Marking for machines and complex assemblies, and PUWER assessments."