Taipei Times
Date: Aug 13, 2020
By: Shelley Shan / Staff reporter

The danger of explosions of ammonium nitrate at the nation’s seaports is low, as shipping service operators are required to follow regulations governing the storage of hazardous chemicals, Taiwan International Port Corp (TIPC) said yesterday.

The storage of hazardous chemicals came under scrutiny worldwide following the catastrophic explosion of ammonium nitrate in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday last week, which killed at least 220 people and injured more than 6,000.

Large quantities of the explosive chemical — 2,750 tonnes in total — had been stored in a warehouse in the Port of Beirut for six years and were accidentally ignited, according to reports.

Ammonium nitrate is used as a basis for fertilizers and explosives for mining and demolishing buildings, the company said, adding that the chemical must be stored in a dark and dry environment and kept away from sources of heat.    [FULL  STORY]