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

Butterflies of Bhopal podcast -- lessons written in blood

Podcast: Butterflies of Bhopal -- Lessons Written in Blood

Chemical engineer Ramin Abhari’s graphic novels communicate the lessons learned from major process safety incidents.
Mexico City LPG Explosion 1984

What Have We Learned from the Pemex LPG Explosion in Mexico City?

On the 40th anniversary, it’s paramount to keep the memory of these incidents alive to avoid making the same deadly mistakes.
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.

News

Emergency Response Plan

Pemex’s Deadly Incident Points To Poor Alert Systems

Nov. 20, 2024
Recent analysis questions whether more can be done to alert first responders and the community in case of emergency.
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
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10 Rules to Succeed at Process Safety Management

Podcast: How To Succeed at Process Safety Management — 10 Rules

April 16, 2024
Based on his many years in the chemical industry and his years at the CSB, John Bresland developed a “top 10” list of rules for process safety success.

CSB Report: Startup Triggered Incident that Seriously Injured Employee

Feb. 23, 2024
A metal tube ruptured within a reactor charge furnace, releasing renewable diesel and hydrogen resulting in a fire.

Judge Hands Down Prison Sentence to Didion Milling Vice President

Feb. 19, 2024
Three officials receive two-year sentences, fines for their role in deadly blast.
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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.