First lessons of the Toulouse ammonium nitrate disaster, 21st September
2001, AZF plant, France
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 111 (1-3):
131--138 (July 2004)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2004.02.039
Abstract
A terrible explosion of ammonium nitrate, killing 30 people, occurred
on 21st September 2001, in Toulouse, in AZF plant belonging to Grande
Paroisse Company, TotalFinaElf Group. The manufactured chemicals
in the plant were mainly ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate-based
fertilisers and other chemicals including chlorinated compounds.
The origins of the accident haven't found yet an agreement among
investigators (company, justice). The aim of this paper is to provide
abroad an overview of some lessons learnt on that accident, from
many perspectives, following the national debates and parliamentary
enquiry as well as the various technical accident investigations.