Recent reactive incidents and fundamental concepts that can help prevent them

Chemical reactions allow for a diversity of manufactured products. However, chemical reactivity can lead to significant hazards if not properly understood and controlled. Uncontrolled reactions have led to serious explosions, fires, and toxic emissions. Recent incidents at Lodi, NJ (1995), with five fatalities; West Helena, AR (1997), with one fatality; Paterson, NJ (1998), with nine serious injuries; Allentown, PA (1999), with five fatalities; Whitehall, MI (1999), with one fatality; and Augusta, GA (2001), with three fatalities, underscore the serious repercussions of reactive incidents. These incidents, and numerous others, are compelling reasons to carefully manage reactive chemical safety. Implementation of fundamental safety principles--hazard identification, hazard evaluation, hazard control-throughout a process life cycle is critical for prevention of reactive incidents.