A propaganda leak is at the origin of the explosion of the Center de valorisation de l’aliment (CVA) in Sherbrooke, which injured five people last year, concluded the CNESST in its report released on Wednesday.
The building housed a dozen agri-food companies that shared certain common spaces, including an industrial kitchen. The epicenter of the explosion was there, according to investigators from the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST). The oven was identified as the source of ignition.
Three causes explaining the accident were presented. First, a valve that was on a propane distribution line was not completely clogged, thus creating the propane leak.
“Following the withdrawal [d’une cuisinière en 2020], the pipe has not been sealed. A witness came to tell us as well. […] Moreover, we found it as is in the rubble,” explained Inspector Christian Roy.
“The installation, removal, and inspection of propane-powered kitchen equipment are deficient,” reads the written report.
Among the other flaws identified, the CNESST notes that the employees were not sufficiently informed of the risks associated with propane gas. There was also no propane detector in the building. These are, however, not mandatory. It is up to the Régie du Bâtiment to determine whether or not they should be.
“Would installing a propane detector be a solution? We believe so, ”said Christian Roy.
To prevent such a tragedy from happening again, the CNESST advises in particular to train workers on the inherent risks, in addition to ensuring that the installation, removal and inspection of equipment are carried out by qualified personnel.
The CNESST will submit its report to the Régie du Bâtiment and various associations. Without disclosing the exact amount, a statement of offense ranging from $18,000 to $72,000 was given to the CVA’s employer. He declined TVA Nouvelles’ request for an interview, preferring to read the report before commenting.