Materials.Business Newsletter ⚙️ December 14th, 2023

Podcast Guest: Hugo Julien, P.Eng
Summary of the discussion
In a world where towering tanks hold the secrets of decades, and seemingly harmless water heaters harbor the potential for explosive surprises, the intricacies of industrial engineering come alive. Join us on a journey into the heart of industrial incidents, where the seemingly mundane transforms into the extraordinary, revealing the hidden dangers lurking within our everyday surroundings. In this podcast episode, we unveil gripping tales of catastrophic consequences resulting from the interplay of design flaws, human error, and the relentless forces of physics. Brace yourself for a riveting exploration of industrial incidents that transcends the ordinary, exposing the critical role of meticulous engineering practices in safeguarding our lives and the environments we inhabit. If you are listening in Spotify or Apple Music, we encourage you to check it out in YouTube, to be able to see the pictures and descriptive case studies presented by Hugo.
The highlights of the discussion are:
Overview of Forensic Engineering: The podcast discusses the role of a forensic engineer who specializes in investigating incidents related to engineering fields, such as explosions, leakage, and contract conflicts. The engineer's mission is to understand what happened and determine the reasons behind incidents.
Human Error and Document Quality: Emphasis is placed on the prevalence of human error in engineering incidents. Monica and Hugo highlight the importance of quality documentation in the investigation process, as poorly done documents can lead to incorrect conclusions and misplaced blame.
Post-Construction Activities and Owner Responsibility: "The majority (80%) of incidents are attributed to post-construction activities, particularly related to bad operation and maintenance". Says Hugo -
The podcast stresses the importance of owners actively participating in the design process and clearly communicating their needs to ensure equipment safety throughout its service life.
Industrial Incident Examples Reviewed: Hugo showed real-life examples, such as a bitumen storage tank inspection and a sandblaster explosion, emphasizing the importance of proper design, inspection, and documentation in preventing incidents. He was able to get citations of many instances of inadequate inspection, incorrect equipment modifications, and human errors leading to catastrophic consequences, illustrating the need for thorough engineering practices.
Lessons Learned:
Monica and Hugo, both, stressed the significance of adhering to design codes, regulations, and safety standards, highlighting the potential risks associated with non-compliance. They discussed the critical role of professional engineers in reducing the risk of incidents, emphasizing the need for continuous training and ethical practice. However one of the biggest take aways is the importance of proper documentation, including assumptions, observations, and images, to facilitate forensic engineering investigations and enhance overall safety. Bolstering the call is a spirited encouragement for collaborative efforts between engineers and forensic experts, recognizing the collective responsibility for ensuring the safety of industrial equipment throughout its life cycle.
In a personal and resonant touch, Hugo, our insightful speaker, wraps up with a passionate plea. He urges fellow engineers, led by the effervescent Monica, to contribute detailed documentation, including assumptions, thoughts, observations, and pictures. This, he stresses, will not only facilitate effective forensic investigations but also stand as a testament to the industry's commitment to safety.

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