Explosion in Chemistry Laboratory - Case Study

This case study is about the explosion of container containing nitric acid. On 2nd December, 2011, a graduate scholar was going to perform an experiment trial requiring the utilization of nitric acid.

The students were working with nitric acid for the first time and no protocol was set up before hand. Prior to experiment, protection and managing conventions were reviewed casually among lab individuals yet no formal methods were discussed. Another waste vessel was set up for the nitric acid. The analysis to be done involved absorbing material in nitric acid to isolate a polymer layer and after that washing with ethanol to remove the waste. The student presumed it to be safe, washed the the new waste container with the nitric acid.

In the wake of washing, he discharged the utilized nitric acid into the waste container and then he closed the container with the cap after that he ensured to shut the fume hood glass. Seconds after the student left, the waste container blew up. Luckily nobody was in the nearby zone. Two panels of the fume hood glass were extremely wrecked glass pieces were scattered in the hood and the area around it. The entire place was polluted with nitric acid. the explosion harmed the stock nitric acid holder and smashed the compartment where KOH solution was kept. EHS was reached instantly to evaluate the circumstances and clean up the lab which was emptied until ready for use again.

The reason behind this explosion was the mixing of nitric acid with the organic material as the reaction that takes place between nitric acid and organic material is highly vigorous. As the strong reaction was still taking place, the bottle was closed by the student which led to the excess gas formation and pressure which then lasted to explosion. The ways to prevent such explosions or accidents can be:

• Presence of lab instructor at all time during the students are working in laboratories.
• Protocols of the experiments to be performed should be provided to the students in advance.
• Advance discussion about the experiment should be done by the lab instructors with the students.
• Students should read the risks and preventive measures of the experiment going to be performed in the laboratories.
• After reading, they should implement them while performing the experiment.
• Nitric acid should be kept with other inorganic compunds and different waste vessel should be used for it.
• Lab coat, safety goggles and gloves should be worn at all times.