On August 6, 2012, the Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Refinery in Richmond, California experienced a catastrophic pipe rupture in the #4 Crude Unit. The ruptured pipe released flammable, high temperature light gas oil, which then partially vaporized into a large, opaque vapor cloud. Approximately two minutes following the release, the released process fluid ignited. 15,000 people from the surrounding communities sought medical treatment.
Preparations by companies, emergency responders, government authorities, and the public are critical to reducing injuries and saving lives during chemical emergencies. This U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) video illustrates the findings from 10 years of CSB accident investigations on preparing for and responding to chemical disasters.
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Video on the 2009 massive explosion at the Caribbean Petroleum, or CAPECO, terminal facility near San Juan, Puerto Rico. The incident occurred when gasoline overflowed and sprayed out from a large aboveground storage tank, forming a 107-acre vapor cloud that ignited.
The US Chemical Safety Board on 7/11/2012 released a safety video that examines the concept of inherent safety and its application across industry; “Inherently Safer: The Future of Risk Reduction” stems from the August 28, 2008, explosion that killed two workers and injured eight others at the Bayer CropScience chemical plant in Institute, West Virginia. As a result of ongoing concern regarding the safety of the facility Congress directed the CSB to commission the National Academy of Sciences to study the feasibility of reducing or eliminating the inventory of methyl isocynanate stored at the Bayer plant.
On October 21, 2016, a chemical release occurred at the MGPI Processing plant in Atchison, Kansas. MGPI Processing produces distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. The release occurred when a chemical delivery truck, owned and operated by Harcros Chemicals, was inadvertently connected to a tank containing incompatible material. The plume generated by the chemical reaction led to a shelter-in-place order for thousands of residents. At least 120 employees and members of the public sought medical attention.
Shock To The System - Chemical Safety Board video detailing key lessons for preventing hydraulic shock in ammonia refrigeration systems based on the CSB's investigation into the accident at Millard Refrigerated Services Inc. on August 23, 2010. 32,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia were released to the atmosphere, resulting in over thirty off-site workers being hospitalized – four in an intensive care unit.
On the 30th anniversary of the fatal Union Carbide chemical release that killed thousands in Bhopal, India, U.S. Chemical Safety Board warns it could happen again.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a roguelike shooter developed by Nicalis, Inc. and released in 2014. The game follows Isaac, a young boy who must navigate through a haunted basement filled with monsters, treasures, and power-ups. With procedurally generated levels, items, and enemies, each playthrough offers a unique experience.
Playing The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth on your 3DS using a ROM is a great way to enjoy this critically acclaimed game on the go. However, ensure you're doing so safely and within the bounds of the law.
Stay safe, and happy gaming!
Reviewing accident reconstructions is the first step in risk mitigation. The next step is applying a rigorous safety framework to your facility.
Our What-If PHA Automated Spreadsheet provides the technical infrastructure needed to document these hazards, including a library of over 1,000 questions focused on identifying failure points in process equipment and human systems.
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