This Texas City Refinery explosion occurred on March 23, 2005, when a hydrocarbon vapor cloud was ignited and violently exploded at this Texas City refinery in Texas City, Texas, killing 15 workers, injuring more than 180 others.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) found organizational and safety deficiencies at all levels of the corporation which contributed to the explosion, such as cost cuts and spending cuts in the safety area. Additionally, large parts of the refinery infrastructure and process equipment were found to be in poor condition. In addition, the committee said that the corporation had cut the budget for training and reduced staff. Furthermore, the CSB found that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had as regulatory authority failed to carry out planned inspections and did not enforce safety rules at the refinery. After the explosion, OSHA found 301 regulatory violations and imposed a fine of $21 million. The CSB also found that only a few OSHA inspectors received the specialized training and experience necessary for investigations at complex facilities.
The CSB issued a recommendation to develop a guideline for understanding, recognizing and dealing with fatigue during shift work. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 755 provides guidance for refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants and other facilities on how to deal with fatigue syndromes. These guidelines include recommendations for work on rotating shifts, such as for the maximum number of overtime hours and the number of days to be worked on without interruption.
Safety Fest TN
Safety Fest TN provides a week of free safety and health training annually in Oak Ridge, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and is dedicated to the mission of making the region the safest place to work and live in the United States. The classes, demonstrations, and sessions are free to all who register to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn safety and health skills.
The event will be held April 29 – May 3, 2019 at multiple locations in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the combined efforts small and large businesses; local, state, and federal agencies; colleges and universities; and non-profit organizations.
“Safety at work, at home, and in the community.”
Last year’s event included 110 free safety classes, sessions, and demonstrations. The 125 instructors and presenters were graciously provided by 105 organizations, just like yours, giving back to the community. Your organization can partner, sponsor or provide resources too – showing commitment to safety at work, at home, and in the community!
Class schedule has launched and online registration is available.
Exhibition spaces and sponsorship opportunities are available now!
For more information visit: https://safetyfesttn.org