WHY REACTIONS RUN AWAY (REPRINTED FROM ICHEME SYMPOSIUM SERIES 141, PG 361-366, 1997)

Exothermic runaway incidents caused by poor understanding of the react ion chemistry and kinetics, under-rated control and safety backup syst ems, and inadequate procedures and training continue to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Although guidance and training to prevent such incidents is available, further work is needed to inc rease awareness of the problems, A recent HSE survey indicates that fu rther information on relief system sizing is also required, A workbook on this topic is in preparation, and a leaflet, drawing attention to the hazards of exothermic runaway, is being published. Further action by the HSE to increase awareness is being considered.