5 deaths in an epichlorohydrin explosion at an industrial site in Slovenia.

5 Fatalities in an Industrial Site Explosion in Slovenia on Thursday, May 12, 2022

The explosion occurred in Kočevja, Slovenia, 60 km south of the capital, Ljubljana, near the Croatian border.

The MELAMIN industrial site manufactures melamine-based adhesives for the paper, construction, and chemical industries.

Melamine

Primarily used in epoxy paints, melamine was notably involved in the 2007 scandal with the recall of 60 million boxes of dog and cat food. Melamine had caused renal failure in pets. Although not classified as hazardous, its hydrolysis produces cyanuric acid, which is highly toxic.

Due to its high nitrogen content, some unscrupulous Chinese manufacturers had added it to animal feed and even human products: infant milk, candies, etc.

In China, six infants died, and thousands were seriously ill. Two Chinese industrial executives were sentenced to death and executed.

Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin, the substance involved in the explosion, used in the Slovenian site's production process, is a Category 1B carcinogen, according to the CMR classification (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic for Reproduction). It is not available for public sale.

This substance is primarily used in the synthesis of Epoxy paints. It is mainly produced from propylene.

For transportation, according to the ADR regulations, epichlorohydrin is classified as a toxic and flammable product (UN2023).

Explosion During the Tanker Truck Unloading Phase

The 5 victims were not employees of the MELAMIN company.

They belonged to a company performing delivery and unloading operations of a tanker truck.

Once again, the accident occurred during the interfaces between processes, between the site and the transporter.

To secure these operations, it is crucial to carry out Safety protocols for loading and unloading operations between the site and the transporter and to ensure that drivers are aware of these protocols upon arrival at the site, whether it's an industrial or logistics site.

Emergency Services Intervention to Limit Chemical Risk Associated with the Explosion and Fire

 The fire was controlled, but the buildings are still targeted by fire hoses to lower the temperature and thus access areas where some victims are still located.

Thick smoke is still emanating from the site, and protective measures for the population have been taken.

CHAVANON Conseil's Role in Risk Management

CHAVANON Conseil assists you in managing risks related to the storage or shipment of chemical products.

We support you in monitoring your obligations regarding ICPE regulations:

- Audits and Action Plans

- Training

- Outsourced management of Pollutant Emissions declarations (GEREP)

We also support you in managing your obligations as a sender, packer, loader, and potentially transporter:

- ADR audits and other modes of transportation

- ADR Training for all employees (administrative and field)

- Load Securing Training, for which the sender is responsible from 3 tonnes!

Any questions?contact@chavanon-conseil.fr

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 Sources: TotalSloveniaNews, TV5Monde, XinHua News