Question

d) Identify three safety critical systems which were non-functional at the Union Carbide Bhopal facility and explain how lack of maintenance led to the Bhopal tragedy.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Vent gas scrubber, Flare stack, Water curtain, Refrigeration system and a spare storage tank were provided in the plant.

Adequate in-built safety systems were not provided and those provided were not checked and maintained as scheduled.

In all, five safety systems namely: Vent gas scrubber, Flare stack, Water curtain, Refrigeration system and a spare storage tank were provided in the plant. But none of these ever worked or came to therescue in the emergency.

Safe operating procedures were not laid down and followed under strict supervision.

Total lack of 'on-site' and 'offsite' emergency control measures.

No hazard and operability study (HAZOP) was carried out on the design and no follow-up by any risk analysis.