Dust build-up could have led to Jiangsu factory disaster, says expert
The deadly explosion at a car parts factory in Jiangsu could have been caused by the ignition of accumulated dust although the mainland had safety standards aimed at preventing such accidents, a work safety expert said.
The deadly explosion at a car parts factory in Jiangsu could have been caused by the ignition of accumulated dust although the mainland had safety standards aimed at preventing such accidents, a work safety expert said.
"The explosion occurred in the polishing workshop. Polishing generates metallic dust, which is extremely fine, sometimes smaller than one micrometre," he said.
Besides iron, other metals such as aluminium and magnesium could have been present. If mixed together at a high enough concentration, a spark could trigger an explosion.
"The heat can reach 2,000-3,000 degrees Celsius, which is much hotter than ordinary fire," Zhang said. That could blow a building apart, collapse walls and seriously burn victims, he said.