On Saturday, 13th March, a tragic incident transpired at an asphalt factory located in Gabes, southeastern Tunisia. The unprecedented incident ignited a surge in unrest levels as the factory’s management and workers sought safety.
What Really Happened?
Asphalt industries are known for specializing in chemical and gas production. Though not much is out concerning the explosion, state media alleges that the explosion was caused when a fire erupted in a container of easily burning material used in manufacturing asphalt. According to sources, gigantic flames and thick waves of dark smoke were seen emanating from the building. Despite the rescue team’s swift response, some workers did not manage to escape.
Atef Hawij, the regional director of Gabes’ civil Protection, told the media that they had lost six employees due to the accident. Two of them succumbed in the hospital while the other four died in the scene; their bodies were charred. Meanwhile, the fire response teams had extinguished the fire, putting an end to the danger. Nevertheless, they were looking to see if there were more victims of the incident.
Moez Tari’ah, the chief spokesperson for the Civil Protection, stated that they were cooling and combing the scene and that investigations were already underway.
“We made in a first preliminary assessment six dead and one wounded,” Moez Triaa, the spokesperson for civil Protection, said.
Why Asphalt is Dangerous
Asphalt is a petroleum product often used in road construction, roofing, concrete work, etc. Therefore, over half-million workers are exposed to it. The product is extensively effective, as health-related effects accompany it. Exposure to it can result in headaches, skin irritation, fatigue, reduced appetite, sensitization, throat and eye irritation. In severe cases, an asphalt victim may develop skin cancer.
Most importantly, asphalt is known for its flammability. Since it’s highly flammable, it is pretty hazardous. As such, it is vital to know the safety precaution measures when handling asphalt, right from the heating, spraying, and storing. When asphalt mixes with vast proportions of oxygen present in the atmosphere and then comes in contact with an ignition source, a flash fire will occur.
In cases where enough vapors are present, a raging flame may develop. And it’s such fires that destroy property and death. Most commonly used asphalt products are used at temperatures above their flash points to curb such fires. The latter is a product temperature where a source of ignition will cause the vapors produced to catch fire.
However, despite the explosive nature of asphalt, some can impose some methods to control its flammability. While heating asphalt in a truck, it is crucial to position the tank broadside to the wind. This is so that if there are any flammable vapors present, the wind will disperse the vapors safely away from burners and other sources of ignition in the truck.
Also, never spray the asphalt while the burners are running. That’s because the burners running provides a source of ignition, and when it comes in contact with the flammable vapors, the truck will catch fire.
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