Pyrophoric iron deposits on vacuum distillation column internals can become immune to water and chemical washing, by coating with asphaltenes entrained in the flash zone vapors. This hypothesis was confirmed by obtaining and inspecting samples of a vacuum distillation column mist eliminator on which pyrophoric iron ignitions were observed that were not affected by the conventional washing procedures. Three conditions are highlighted whose fulfillment significantly increases the probability of persistent pyrophoric iron occurrence on vacuum distillation column internals. A handling strategy is outlined which was based on the experience gained from the described incident. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.