Analysis of the ARIA database shows a sharp increase in NaTech events in French industrial facilities between 2010 and 2019. NaTech accidents are technological events that have been triggered or exacerbated by intense natural phenomena, such as floods, high temperatures[...]
Periods of cold weather are often synonymous with high electricity consumption and technical incidents. They can also cause power supply and telecommunication network outages. An imbalance between electricity supply and demand could happen this winter, generating power outages. Whatever their[...]
Spells of scorching heat always give way to episodes of intense rainfall and what are known as Cévennes rain events. In recent years, France has experienced many rain events that have resulted in flooding of industrial facilities. Although well known,[...]
Forklifts are often used for handling operations. They allow to carry toxic, flammable, explosive and other dangerous products on pallets. Manoeuvres can lead to hazardous situation with serious consequences : pollution or contamination following a split of products, fire ignited[...]
Whether white (rich in aerosols or water vapour), grey (a mixture of aerosols and solid particles) or black (large solid particles), the smoke released from fires presents several risks. Beyond death from intoxication, fumes are a potential health hazard owing[...]
A fire broke out at 10:15 am in a warehouse subject to authorization (item 1510 of the nomenclature of the French classified installations) at an external storage of wooden pallets. Employees are evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters. The[...]
The summary of this accident has not yet been translated. In the meantime, please refer to the French summary : Vers midi, un incendie est détecté au pied d'un réservoir de liquide inflammable vidé et nettoyé, en cours de maintenance[...]
Transfer of chemicals between fixed and mobile tanks may cause mixtures of incompatible products. This risk is all the more pernicious as the mixture usually involves "classic" substances and widely used: bleach, acid ... This fact sheet presents some lessons[...]
Gas-based extinguishing processes become attractive when water cannot be used (e.g. computer equipment, audio/video archives, ship engine rooms), yet the associated risks must not be underestimated, as witnessed by the example of CO2 systems.
Approximately 2 kg of propane were released into the atmosphere at an LPG filling centre (Seveso installation) and designed to supply customers throughout the region.A tank car was moved while it was being loaded, causing a gas leak. Positioned at[...]
