Explosion and Fire at Production Facility for Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)
November 6, 2009
Shimonoseki Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Shimonoseki Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ SMCI” ) (Tadayoshi Kishimoto, President) extends sincere apologies to all parties concerned and affected by the November 4th explosion and fire at its nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) production facilities.
Following the accident, SMCI and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ MCI” )
(Head Office: Tokyo) respectively formed task forces to investigate the cause of the accident and to implement appropriate safety measures for the community residents.
The police and the fire department are investigating the cause with the full cooperation of
both SMCI and MCI.
The cause of the explosion and preventive measures will be announced as soon as such information becomes available.
Currently available information is as follows;
1.Address
7-1-1, Hikoshima-sakomachi, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0092
Shimonoseki Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. production facility for nitrogen trifluoride (possibly filling area)
2.Substance
nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas
3.Date
November 4, 2009 (Wed) 13:30
4.Cause (as of November 6, 2009)
Unknown and under investigation by the regulators.
“Joint Committee for Investigation” was formed by SMCI and MCI on November 5th to investigate the cause, promptly develop and implement necessary counter measures.
5.Injuries and Damages (as of November 6, 2009)
Injuries
| Community residents | 2 persons (minor cuts), 2 person (sore throat) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (defective hearing and headache) | |
| 1 person (tinnitus) | |
| Subcontractor employees | 1 person (burns) |
| SMCI employees | 1 person (bruising and minor cuts) |
Damages (as of November 6)
75 houses/buildings and 33 cars suffered damage from the explosion/fire.
6.Production
Production has been voluntarily suspended since November 4th at the NF3 production facility.
Attachment
Explosion and Fire at Production Facility for Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)(PDF:38KB)
