In the production of pharmaceuticals chemical substances are used in different conditions and circumstances:

1. In a chemical lab flammable organic solvents are used and stored. These spaces are at high risk of explosion or fire.
2. In the process of preparation of solutions, great quantities of ethylic alcohol may be used. This substance is classified as highly flammable. The use of this substance puts the involved spaces at high risk of explosion or fire.
3. Production of ointments, pastes, creams, and gels: for the preparation of the mass the most used solvents are water and ethylic alcohol. In this phase chemical solvents are used and manipulated for the production of the mass.
4. Usually a thermal power plant has great dimensions. The use of methane creates high risks of explosion.
5. Depending on the type of production, toxic substances can be present.

GASES INVOLVED

Ethylic alcohol (CH3CH2OH): at room temperature it is a colourless liquid characterized by a typical smell. It is usually volatile and highly flammable.
Methane (CH4): methane is a simple hydrocarbon and in nature it is a gas. It is the most important component of natural gas and it is an excellent fuel.
Toxic gases in general: depending on the type of production of the considered system.

EXPECTED RISKS

CH3CH2OH: in ordinary production processes, a spillage may cause such a concentration of vapours that the whole environment is under a risk of explosion.
CH4: during the whole production life of a plant, both when operating or standstill, there may be gas leaks.
General toxic gases: depending on their nature, they may cause various diseases, even death, even if for short exposure times or concentrations of few ppm.