|
Archives
Antique Steam Engines Still Pose Risk to Fairgoersby John J. Fanning
Several years ago I was having lunch with some officials of the Illinois State
Fire Marshall's Office. We were discussing our mutual concerns for the
increasing number of pressure vessel explosions that were occurring and brainstorming
ideas of how we could increase safety awareness among boiler owners and operators.
As our conversation progressed, the topic turned to steam operated antique
tractors and trains that seem to appear at State Fairgrounds each year. The
Fire Marshal officials shared their concern with me for the safety of these
devices. They informed me that little to no regulations existed that covered
the operation or inspection of these antique devices.
At the time, none of us knew how prophetic the concerns expressed during that
lunch would be. But shortly after our meeting, On July 29, 2001, an antique
steam tractor on display at the Medina County Fairgrounds in Ohio exploded.
Scalding steam engulfed and a rain of shrapnel impaled fairgoers, leaving five
dead and 48 injured.
You would think that catastrophe would have alerted State Legislators to the
fact that pressure vessels remain a serious danger if not properly maintained,
inspected and operated. Ohio State Legislators certainly got the message and
passed a bill requiring the licensing of antique boilers. Unfortunately however,
few other States have yet to respond.
This is the time of year when State Fairs bring in throngs of folks eager for
cotton candy, amusement rides and an education about their State. Uniquely American
events, State Fairs remain one of the more enjoyable aspects of the summer months.
Millions of Americans will visit hundreds of fairgrounds this summer and marvel
at the industry and history that is displayed under tents, in barns or right
out in the open.
Most fairgoers will notice a significant change this year in the security present
at State Fairgrounds. The war on terrorism will bring increased uniformed and
undercover law enforcement into fairgrounds. Random or planned security screening
will most likely take place among fairgoers. Unfortunately, little or nothing
will be done to inspect the potential time bombs that will be on display, surrounded
by hundreds or thousands of visitors. In most States, anyone can own and operate
an antique steam engine. No license, certification, education or qualification
is necessary. It is truly ironic that in most States a merry-go-round will be
inspected and certified by a state or municipal inspector before it will be
able to operate, but the 20-ton, 150-year-old tractor, with 200 psi of superheated
steam sitting perhaps 10 feet away from that merry-go-round will be running
without having received a single glance from any inspection authority. Beyond
that irony, it is shocking to engineers who operate steam boilers to realize
that such devices may be legally operated by anyone with the money to own one.
It is unfortunate that it takes a catastrophe that claims lives to get some
State Legislators to take action to safeguard the public. It is even more unfortunate
that the lives lost in Ohio have not prompted more States to review their own
rules regarding the operation of these high pressure antiques.
I am sure many of you will be visiting your local fairgrounds this summer.
Maybe we might run into each other at one of the fairs in the Midwest. If you
care to look me up, you will probably find me around the merry-go-round. I like
to be where I know it's safe.
Archives
|
