Saudi Safety Professionals

On 03.06.2023, a fire triggered and led to tank explosion of Oil tanker. lightning strike at lake Cnarles, USA

Previously, On 05:08.2022 @17:00 Hrs., a fire triggered and led to the
explosion at a fuel depot in northwestern Cuba.

Possible Root Causes:

-Improper maintenance of earth pits
-Improper earth resistance
-Improper contact area or damage of cables

Lessons Learnt:
-Lightening arrestor's reliability to be continuously monitored.
-Lightening arrestors sufficiency at the required storage tanks to be monitored.

If the worst happens and your oil does catch on fire, do the following:
• Turn the Heat Off – Don’t try to move the pot. You might accidentally splash yourself or your kitchen with burning oil. And that would be bad.
• Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid – Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.
• Pour on Baking Soda – Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they’re small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job.
• Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen. Still, it’s better than the alternative if the fire is getting out of control.
• Get Out and Call emergency number– If the fire does break out of control, don’t try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call emergency number.

Whatever you do, DO NOT do the following:
• Do Not Use Water – Pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. The vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, also spreading the fire.
• Do Not Move the Pot or Carry It Outside – Throwing the pot outside might seem logical in the frenzy of the moment. But trying to move the pot might splash burning oil on you, your home, and anything outside.
• Do Not Throw Any Other Baking Product On the Fire – Flour might look like baking soda, but it won’t react the same. Only baking soda can help put out a grease fire.

Phew, now that we’re clear on all of that, hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to actually use this advice. Be safe, fellow cooks!