"Nearly four years after the disaster in Texas City, there continues to be a disturbing number of fires, explosions and releases at the nation's refineries. These events endanger workers and public and can distrupt the supply of needed transportation fuels". A quote extracted from Chairman John Bresland.
"A sudden release of flammable liquid from a flare or blow down stack poses a potential risk to people, equipment and the environment and warrants a close look"
The above extracts are related to Fire at the Tesoro refinery in Salt Lake City, Utah, following a power outage earlier in the day.
Liquid hydrocarbons were released froma flare stack during an effort to restart the refinery's crude unit. The hydrocarbons were ignited in a pool fire that extended from the base of the stack and damaged a trailer and other equipment that were positioned nearby.
Inquiry to seek to determine if there are any similiarities to the 2005 accident at the BP Texas City refinery are being conducted/investigated by CSB.
All the investigation is currently on its way, nonetheless the following issues needs a particular attention;
1) Management of Change - Was a proper Risk Assessment done for the restart. If yes was it done with proper attendees? Competency? Did they highlight all possible scenarios?
2) API 752 application. Temp and Permanent Occupied Buildings. What we have learned from Texas City? Are repeating the same mistakes?
3) Process Safety and Assest Integrity Issue. Safety Critical Elements and Performance Standards? Was this properly identified and managed?
4) The list goes on.......
Regards
Siva