Task $3$: Fire and explosion

$3$

$($a$)$ Outline what improvements could be made to the degreasing process to

reduce the risk of a fire or explosion.

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant

information from the scenario.

$($b$)$ In the event of a fire or explosion occurring, explain measures that would

reduce its consequences.

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant

information from the scenario.Degreasing

There is an area for degreasing, near to the roller shutter doors where workers manually wash

workpieces with a solvent in preparation for coating. This area has recently become untidy and is

littered with packaging remnants and discarded rags. When doing this work for the first time, workers

are shown what to do$.$ After this, workers are left to work by themselves. The solvents used have a

flammable range of $0\mathrm{.}8-6\mathrm{.}5\%,$ a flashpoint of around $11C$ and an autoignition temp of $283C.$ The

degreasing process involves decanting the solvent into smaller containers. It is then applied to the

workpiece by hand using rags. Some workers have complained of nausea and dizziness during this

process. There is a risk of static discharge during the decanting and application processes. In this

area of the factory, workers use localised lighting to provide adequate light during the task.

A recent spill during decanting led to a small fire that, whilst dramatic, did not cause any damage.

Workers on the factory floor saw the fire and did not know which way to go as an iron gate was

leaning on the emergency exit door. They then fled towards the roller shutter door to exit the factory.

The factory manager activated the fire alarm and extinguished the fire. They used the only available

water fire extinguisher, located against a nearby wall on the factory floor.