An argon leakage accident in the No 3 converter plant of a steel works of Nanjing Iron & Steel Group Corp (NJSteel) killed three in the wee hours of June 30, 2014.
The cause of the accident is that a metal hose used to blow argon into the steel furnace to increase its purity ruptures perhaps due to overpressure or aging. The two repair workers at site fell down after inhaling too much argon, and another worker who rushed to their rescue fell too. Others far away from the plant called the police and the three victims were hurried to the hospital immediately, but it was too late.
At the site, the reporter saw that the working platform where the accident happened looks like a pool, which can easily accumulate argon. “Argon is odorless and non-toxic, but the waste gas resulting from its industrial use is very harmful,” said an expert from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science of Nanjing Normal University.
The leaking hose is already replaced now and relevant production is resumed. As the accident was timely and properly handled, there is no impact on the surrounding atmosphere.
