At approximately 9 AM on September 15th, a comprehensive emergency drill for production safety incidents in 2026 was launched at Xindafu Company, following the command of Zhao Tianxiu, Deputy General Manager of Baiyin Nonferrous Group.
The drill simulated a scenario at the carbon disulfide tank farm of Xindafu Company, where during the unloading of a hazardous chemical tanker, the flange gasket connecting the tanker outlet and the unloading pipeline failed, leading to a substantial liquid leak. The on-site toxic gas audible and visual alarm system triggered continuous high-frequency alerts. The accumulated vapor on the ground ignited due to static electricity discharge, resulting in an initial surface fire.
The shift inspector on duty immediately reported the situation to the shift leader, who issued a preliminary evacuation directive: "Received! Evacuate immediately along the upwind route to the designated safe assembly point on the west side of the unloading area and stand by!" The central control room operators and plant director, receiving the warning with zero delay, executed the emergency interlock shutdown and isolation procedures for the unloading system and promptly reported to the chief commander of Xindafu Company's safety emergency response.
The chief commander swiftly issued a directive to activate the "Special Emergency Plan for Leakage, Fire, and Explosion in the Carbon Disulfide Tank Farm of Baiyin Xindafu Company," and together with command center members and specialized emergency teams, rushed to the incident site. After comprehensive evaluation of the on-site information, the command center members simultaneously reported the situation to Baiyin Nonferrous Group's emergency command center and the High-tech Zone Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau, while also notifying neighboring enterprises to take precautionary measures in advance.
Upon receiving the incident report, the headquarters of Baiyin Nonferrous Group immediately ordered the activation of the Level III emergency response for hazardous chemical fire and explosion and dispatched the mine rescue team for immediate reinforcement. Concurrently, all emergency rescue teams of Xindafu Company assembled and initiated preliminary response measures, ensuring safety first.
The emergency response crew, fully equipped with protective gear, operated from upwind side positions throughout, activating the foam fire suppression system for the tank farm and unloading area to rigorously prevent secondary incidents like deflagration or flash fires.
Subsequently, members of Baiyin Nonferrous Group's emergency command center and the mine rescue team arrived at the scene. The rescue team reached the unloading alert zone, simultaneously gathering information on the leak point and real-time gas concentrations. Drone No.1 took off for reconnaissance of the tanker and its surroundings. Data transmitted from the drone indicated the feasibility of an aerial fire-extinguishing bomb drop operation.
Drone No.2, a heavy-lift transport drone, then flew to a position 50 meters above the fire source, as on-site personnel retreated to a safe area. With the command "Dropping bombs!" from the mine rescue team leader, fire-extinguishing bombs blanketed the visible flames. Rescue personnel used foam to continuously isolate the leaking vapor, eventually extinguishing the fire completely.
Rescue team members then entered the high-risk zone to temporarily shore up the leaking pipelines and isolate vapor sources, preventing re-ignition during the rescue phase. After completing the leak sealing operation, the emergency crew, in coordination with the environmental decontamination team, thoroughly inspected the unloading area's containment dikes and emergency wastewater collection tanks to mitigate any risk of water system pollution.
Based on comprehensive reports from all teams, multiple rounds of environmental monitoring data, and on-site risk assessments, the carbon disulfide leakage and fire hazard from the tanker unloading was fully resolved, with no residual safety or environmental risks. The tank farm and unloading area returned to a safe and controllable operational state. The drill proceeded to the production recovery phase, concluding with full success.
After observing the drill, Zhao Tianxiu noted that this practical exercise closely mirrored real production safety conditions, effectively validating the scientific rigor and applicability of the emergency plans of both Baiyin Nonferrous Group and Xindafu Company. It achieved the intended objectives of training the team, refining coordination mechanisms, and enhancing public awareness.
Zhao emphasized that the entire group must elevate safety awareness, strengthen bottom-line thinking, and remain vigilant about safety at all times. Responsibilities must be firmly enforced, safety defenses fortified, and a proactive shift from "post-incident response to pre-incident prevention" pursued. Emergency plans should be continuously improved in line with production safety and emergency regulations, steadily enhancing the emergency response capabilities of all personnel.
The drill was observed on-site by officials from the Baiyin High-tech Development Zone Management Committee, the Tongcheng Branch of Baiyin Public Security Bureau, the Tongcheng Brigade of Baiyin Fire Rescue Division, relevant department heads of Baiyin Nonferrous Group, and those responsible for production safety, safety department managers, and emergency management personnel from various subsidiaries.
Text and photos by Zhao Juan, Wang Jianwei, and Cai Chenhao.
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