Furnace overheating triggers massive fire outbreak at Kudalwadi-based aluminium factory

On Saturday, February 17, a major fire erupted in a company situated at Kudalwadi near Chikhali, triggered by a furnace overheating. As per the reports, the company is known for manufacturing aluminium sulfate and magnesium sulfate dust.

On the day of the accident, the workers had been loading aluminium sulfate and magnesium sulfate powder into the furnace when an unexpected surge in temperature occurred. This sudden rise in heat precipitated an explosion within the furnace. The fire brigade was alerted around 6:15 pm on Saturday and promptly dispatched five fire tenders and water tankers to the scene.

“The company makes dust of aluminium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, and the workers had poured the aluminium powder and other chemicals in the furnace. All of a sudden, the temperature in the furnace increased, which resulted in the blast,” said fire station officer Vinayak Ghadge.

Upon assessing the situation and identifying the chemicals involved, officials utilized foam and sand to douse the flames, as mentioned by a spokesperson. Fire accidents in the aluminium industry are not anything new. However, the industry must pay more attention to awareness and education regarding safety within the aluminium industry.

Implementation of the latest technologies and safety precautions must be mitigated within the industry. Awareness plays a crucial role in mitigating fire accidents within the aluminium industry. More safety concerns need to be addressed in a country like India, where staff are more numerous and technology implementation is less common.

Employees must be well-versed in fire safety protocols, including correctly handling and storing materials, recognizing potential ignition sources, and understanding emergency procedures. Regular training sessions and drills can enhance awareness and ensure workers are equipped to respond effectively during a fire.