Alert 12 – 29 Electrostatic Charge Results in Methanol Tank Explosion
Alert 12 – 29 Electrostatic Charge Results in Methanol Tank Explosion
WHAT HAPPENED:
A worker was climbing to the top of a 500 gallon (1,893 liter), polyethylene methanol storage tank to check the fluid level. When the worker reached the top of the tank, he touched the cap on the inner tank with his hand and the flammable vapor around the cap ignited resulting in an explosion and flash fire. The worker received first aid for a second degree burn to his arm.