Fire/Explosion Protection

Major accidents with multiple fatalities continue to occur worldwide in the process industries, causing distress to those involved and massive costs to companies. Almost daily, facilities in the process industries face a number of specific major accident hazard scenarios depending upon the nature of the substances they handle and their processing activities. Implementing best practices for fire and explosion protection is paramount.

Articles

Lessons Learned from the Explosion at the Phillips Petroleum Complex

Podcast: Lessons Learned from the Explosion at the Phillips Petroleum Complex

On the 35th anniversary of the deadly event we examine how routine maintenance can go horribly wrong.
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Milford Haven, Wales Lessons Learned

Podcast: Lessons Learned From 1994 Texaco Refinery Explosion

Control system failures, alarm floods, maintenance issues and emergency response factored into this non-deadly incident.
Shutterstock, illustration by Traci Purdum

Podcast: Corroded Pipe Elbow Sparks Explosion, Launches 38,000-lb Shrapnel

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board identified five issues with the 2019 Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery fire and explosion: mechanical integrity, outdated equipment, lack of...
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Podcast: Lessons Learned From Flixborough 50 Years Later

The Flixborough disaster in 1974 resulted in 28 fatalities and significant damage, leading to the introduction of management of change processes, improved asset integrity practices...

News

Chemical Safety Board

CSB Is Like a Dog with a Bone Investigating Safety Cases

Oct. 25, 2024
Chemical Safety Board clears backlog, tackles eight new hazardous incident investigations.
Bio-Based Nanocrystals Combat Oil Pipeline Scaling While Stabilizing Emulsions

Bio-Based Nanocrystals Combat Oil Pipeline Scaling While Stabilizing Emulsions

Oct. 18, 2024
Researchers say these anti-scaling particles are environmentally safe and cost-effective.
Fatal Chemical Leak at Pemex Refinery Raises Safety Concerns

Fatal Chemical Leak at Pemex Refinery Raises Safety Concerns

Oct. 11, 2024
Two dead, dozens injured in Deer Park incident; environmental group cites history of violations
Chemical Fire at Georgia Plant Prompts Mass Evacuation

Chemical Fire at Georgia Plant Prompts Mass Evacuation

Sept. 30, 2024
Malfunctioning sprinkler reacted with chemicals causing the early morning fire.
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Pause, Reflect, Act

The Difference Between Experiences and Learning in Process Safety

Daily experiences vary, but key events hold lessons. Reflection is vital for learning and shaping success.
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Accident Anniversaries

Accident Anniversaries: Honoring Lives and Learning Lessons

Jan. 16, 2024
From the explosion at an LNG plant in Algeria and the Boston molasses spill to Flixborough and the Valdez oil spill, the discussion underscores the ongoing relevance of these ...
La Mède Refinery Tragedy Unveils Critical Corrosion Lessons

La Mède Refinery Tragedy Unveils Critical Corrosion Lessons

Nov. 22, 2023
The importance of rigorous corrosion inspection programs and the need for comprehensive risk assessments in facility design are paramount to process safety.
Episode 57 Lessons Learned From The Deadly Explosion In Pasadena, Texas

Lessons Learned From The Deadly Explosion In Pasadena, Texas

Nov. 7, 2023
The legacy of Mary Kay O'Connor, who was killed in this incident, has aided in promoting process safety and saving lives.