Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 04, 2020 News
For the year thus far, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has lost four of their own in two horrific explosions, with Thursday being the most gruesome occurrence.
Lance Corporal Kevon Nicholson, 23; Lance Corporal Toohey Peneux, 28 and Private Shaquille DeHarte, 20 were killed, while Sergeant Quincy Threlfell, 43, and Lance Corporal Paul Peters, 29, were injured.
An official release from the GDF stated that the ranks were involved in the preparation of “pyrotechnics for demolition” when the tragedy took place.
The report said that “one of the ranks (Peneux) was using his feet to break off the stick of the rocket shaped firework device when an explosion occurred.”
The pyrotechnic, which they were involved in handling at the time of the explosion was ‘Active Galaxy’, a rocket -shaped firework.
The army statement did not state whether safety procedures were followed. It also appeared that the ranks were untrained in the handling of explosives.
According to research done by Kaieteur News, strict measures need to be in place when dealing with the demolition of unstable pyrotechnics or explosives.
A United States Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum dated July 2017, outlined several key requirements relating to the disposal of waste explosives.
The memorandum spoke to the proper storage of the explosives and stated that waste fireworks must be compatible with the storage containers and the container must be in good condition.
It outlined that the accumulation areas where the explosives are stored must be inspected weekly and that the facility must be maintained and operated to minimize possibility of a fire, explosion, or release.
The memorandum also stated that annual safety training, including training specific to explosives, must be required for all employees directly involved in the handling of the explosives.
“Access to waste fireworks storage areas must be controlled for security as well as safety reasons. Waste fireworks must be separated and protected from sources of ignition and reaction, including but not limited to: open flames, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, and frictional heat,” the memorandum said.
Further, it was stated that, “precautions must be taken to segregate or prohibit incompatible materials in order to prevent reactions which generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosions, or violent reaction.”
“Waste fireworks must be protected from sparks (static, electrical, or mechanical) that may originate from, for example: wrenches, hammers, knives, dollies or carts, drums or other containers, or chairs; clothing, plastic bags, and other materials that are not static-proof; and cell phones or other potential spark-producing electronic devices.”
A Board of Inquiry has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]