What caused the explosion at the ammunition factory in Balıkesir?
Experts highlighted the danger of static electricity!
Occupational Health and Safety Expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl evaluated the explosion at the factory producing explosives in Balıkesir, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 5 others, and Bingöl stated that “Given the massive destruction caused, understanding the exact reason for the incident is quite challenging at this moment.”
Emphasizing that one of the most critical issues in such facilities is the danger of static electricity, Dr. Bingöl expressed that “Static electricity always poses a significant risk because it is difficult to control. Therefore, grounding is of great importance; therefore, an integrated grounding system should be established, and measures such as humidification should be implemented if necessary.”
Drawing attention to occupational safety training, Dr. Bingöl added that “In facilities categorized as highly dangerous, workers are required to undergo at least 16 hours of training annually.”
Vice Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences and Occupational Health and Safety Expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl evaluated the explosion and collapse in Balıkesir.
The company gives the impression of having a regular production structure
Dr. Nuri Bingöl pointed out that the company where the explosion occurred seemed to operate with high safety standards and stated that "There are production facilities planned as small workshops, and overall, they give the impression of having a regular production structure. Therefore, I assume that high-level safety measures were likely in place. However, there must have been a deficiency that led to the explosion. In terms of safety measures, precautions must be taken against many ignition sources, including static electricity. For instance, I assume applications like anti-static clothing and garments, grounding, and humidification were implemented. However, it is also essential that these measures undergo periodic inspections and annual controls. Given the massive destruction at present, understanding the cause of the incident is quite challenging."
The impact of the explosion is quite significant
Dr. Bingöl stated that as an expert, at least a document-based examination could be conducted, and continued his remarks as follows: "In this context, were periodic inspections carried out? Was the integrity of the measures maintained? Were the grounding resistance values consistent with the measured and calculated values? I believe these questions will be clarified through technical investigations. The impact of the explosion is quite significant because we are dealing with explosive materials such as pyrotechnics. We must learn from the Hendek, Sakarya fireworks factory incident. Here, however, we are talking about the collapse of a building. The design of this facility suggests that production workshops were kept separate from large residential areas and that the upper buildings likely served administrative or office functions."
Lightning is also a very low probability
Dr. Bingöl noted that "No one can currently offer a definitive opinion on the cause of the explosion. It is impossible to provide precise information. We think this can only be revealed through technical investigations. However, whether the technical examination will yield results is also uncertain. At the moment, only assumptions can be made. There is an impression that the company is well-structured and has taken high-level safety precautions. Potential causes of the explosion being discussed include shift changes, lightning strikes, or even sabotage. Even if sabotage is dismissed, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Although initial reports ruled out sabotage, it is not possible to make a definitive statement. The possibility of a lightning strike is also being considered, though it is a very low probability. I assume that the systems there are likely protected by a Faraday cage-like lightning rod. If lightning had struck, what impact would it have had? It might have destroyed the chimney or damaged the lightning rod; however, the likelihood of it creating an ignition effect inside is quite low. Still, these possibilities cannot be entirely ruled out."
The danger of static electricity
Emphasizing that one of the most critical aspects to focus on in such facilities is the danger of static electricity, Dr. Bingöl continued his remarks as follows:
"Static electricity always poses a significant risk because it is difficult to control. Therefore, grounding is of great importance. An integrated grounding system must be established, and measures like humidification should be taken if necessary. Moreover, workers must be provided with anti-static clothing and anti-static footwear. Systems like grounding plates should also be installed to allow workers to discharge any static electricity on them before entering the facility. The materials used inside must also be specially designed. For instance, a spark in an explosive environment can create a significant hazard, and even the opening and closing of an electrical contact can serve as an ignition source. Such facilities, like those involved in capsule production, house flammable and oxidizing materials together, making them capable of causing explosions with even a small ignition source."
Employee Training
Emphasizing the necessity of providing comprehensive training to employees, Dr. Nuri Bingöl stated that “I am not sure whether the training is certified by vocational qualification institutions; however, it is crucial for personnel working in such hazardous environments to possess the necessary training and skills. It appears that this facility primarily operates with a fully automated system, meaning that manual operations seem quite limited. However, there are still areas where manual work is performed. In such environments, experienced workers are generally preferred. Especially in sensitive tasks, employees with 15 years or more of experience are employed so that they can detect any anomalies, such as slight changes in sound, and intervene in a timely manner based on their expertise.”
Women in such jobs are more meticulous compared to men
Dr. Bingöl noted that women working in such jobs generally tend to be more meticulous and careful than men. Bingöl stated that “For this reason, employing women in such areas should not be considered a disadvantage. Although professional qualification training may not include job-specific training, companies must ensure that they provide the necessary training to their employees.”
Employees in such facilities must receive at least 16 hours of training annually
Focusing on occupational safety training, Dr. Bingöl said that “These training sessions go beyond the job itself and focus on how to ensure safety. In facilities classified as highly dangerous, employees must receive at least 16 hours of training annually. I believe a significant portion of these sessions focuses on handling explosive material with care, controlling static electricity, and implementing necessary precautions. However, despite all this, it is impossible to completely eliminate the human factor. Additionally, we do not know whether the accident was caused by human error. Therefore, our evaluations here should not be taken as definitive conclusions. We are only discussing possibilities. There are two main scenarios: either human error occurred, or there was an issue with the automation or system. If the problem lies within the system, identifying its exact location is necessary.”
The pressure effect of explosives leads to destruction
Highlighting that the most significant issue in such accidents is the pressure effect of explosives, Dr. Bingöl stated that “This can result in catastrophic destruction. One of the most crucial precautions taken in such facilities is constructing factories and workshops at a distance from each other. This ensures that other facilities can remain intact.”
The explosion site resembles a war zone
Describing the explosion site as resembling a war zone, Dr. Bingöl said that “As seen in the Ukraine war, the destruction caused by a bomb is similar to what we observe here. In this case, we are dealing with pyrotechnic materials and explosives. This is no ordinary explosive environment. The pressure effect of pyrotechnic explosives is much greater, generally 1,000 atmospheres or more. Therefore, such explosions cause devastating destruction.”
The destruction is so immense that…
Dr. Bingöl noted that in a natural gas explosion, one would not see a column breaking apart and being thrown to a neighboring building. However, in this type of explosion, columns can be dislodged and flung away. Bingöl concluded his remarks as follows: “Thus, it is quite natural not to see the machines inside. The destruction is so immense that the machines might have been completely destroyed or buried under the debris. To clearly observe the machines and their parts, one would need to inspect the wreckage.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)