Accident at steel plant spills molten metal onto plant floor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a video depicting an accident at a steel mill in Russia where molten metal spills onto the floor due to equipment failure. Participants reflect on the dangers associated with steel production, the nature of such accidents, and the reactions to the video.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants find the incident humorous, while others express concern about the serious risks involved in such accidents.
  • One participant shares their experience working in a steel mill, describing the visual impact of a ladle tipping and the potential for severe injuries from molten metal.
  • Another participant mentions the dangers of dust and reduced visibility in steel mills, highlighting the apprehension felt in such environments.
  • There is a discussion about the presence of workers during a pour, with some noting that not all personnel evacuate the area, as various tasks must be performed.
  • Participants emphasize the high-risk nature of jobs in steel mills, with one suggesting it is among the most dangerous industrial occupations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of humor regarding the incident, with some finding it funny and others deeming it a serious matter. There is no consensus on the perception of the accident, and the discussion reflects multiple competing views on the risks associated with steel production.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference their personal experiences in steel mills, which may influence their perspectives on the incident and its seriousness. The discussion includes varying interpretations of safety protocols during molten metal pours.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in industrial safety, steel production processes, or the experiences of workers in high-risk environments may find this discussion relevant.

ElliotSmith
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Here is a video of a funny accident that happened at a steel mill in Russia. Thousands of pounds of molten metal come pouring out of it's ladle onto the floor due to equipment failure.

Fortunately no one was hurt in this incident, but the whole plant could have gone up in flames if the outcome had been different.

Molten steel isn't exactly something that you can clean up with a broom or a mop.

 
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Some of these videos while they often appear funny are actually quite frightening if you were there. The recent volcanic eruption in Japan had many videos and photos taken by hikers in the vicinity who died shortly after taking the photos of the catastrophic eruption.
 
I've wondered once or twice if they ever have steel spills at steel mills. Now I know.
 
That was not even slightly funny! That was a great catastrophe narrowly averted.

I used to work in a steel mill (Bethlehem Steel), and I've seen pours like that (not out of control), and it looks like the mouth of hell itself when the ladle tips. Dirt floors are common in steel mills so that a spill does not run as fast or as far as it would on concrete.

Any person caught in that flood would suffer severe burns, likely loose both feet and worse. This is extremely high risk work.
 
Not to mention the dust that is kicked up that you're likely to choke on, while greatly reducing visibility.

I used to work as a courier for GE plant operations and was always a bit apprehensive entering these areas where steel was poured or where steel steam turbine shells were machined, carried by a ceiling crane and tested via dynamic pinup of a turbine shaft.
 
ElliotSmith said:
Here is a video of a funny accident
You have a very sick sense of humor if you think this is funny.
 
I think I understood a few of those Russian words. :))
 
OldEngr63 said:
That was not even slightly funny! That was a great catastrophe narrowly averted.

I used to work in a steel mill (Bethlehem Steel), and I've seen pours like that (not out of control), and it looks like the mouth of hell itself when the ladle tips. Dirt floors are common in steel mills so that a spill does not run as fast or as far as it would on concrete.

Any person caught in that flood would suffer severe burns, likely loose both feet and worse. This is extremely high risk work.

I thought an alarm sounds telling workers to clear the area whenever a loaded ladle is being moved.
 
This is like a scene out of Terminator 2. I agree though, that's a pretty deranged sense of humour you have if this is funny to you...
 
  • #10
@ElliotSmith

If you look at the various YouTube videos available that show iron making/steel making operations, you will see many workers on the floor, doing various jobs. The fact that there is a pour in progress does not mean that everyone vacates the building. There are many tasks to be done during a pour, and the workers remain at their posts to perform them at the appropriate time.
 
  • #11
OldEngr63 said:
@ElliotSmith

If you look at the various YouTube videos available that show iron making/steel making operations, you will see many workers on the floor, doing various jobs. The fact that there is a pour in progress does not mean that everyone vacates the building. There are many tasks to be done during a pour, and the workers remain at their posts to perform them at the appropriate time.

Working at steel mills can be extremely dangerous. It's probably one of the most dangerous industrial jobs out there..