Washington — Chemical facility personnel should thoroughly evaluate buildings that may be occupied after incidents occur to address possible safety risks, the Chemical Safety Board cautions.
CSB issued the interim recommendation as part of an ongoing agency investigation into a fatal explosion on Aug. 11 at the U.S. Steel Clairton (PA) Coke Works Facility.
According to preliminary findings, the explosion occurred inside the Battery 13/14 transfer room after coke gas was released from process piping. The blast killed two workers and injured 11 others, including five who suffered serious injuries.
A CSB press release states that both of the workers who were killed – and two of the others who were seriously injured – were inside or near buildings in the area where the explosion occurred. The agency said it’s “evident” that the buildings in the transfer area and those adjacent to it “could not withstand or protect their occupants from the explosion.”
CSB adds in its preliminary report that U.S. Steel informed the agency it rebuilt piping in a similar location and layout and is relocating Battery 13/14 control rooms to a building about 100 feet from where the explosion occurred.
Additionally, U.S. Steel confirmed it hasn’t performed a building or facility siting evaluation to assess possible hazards.
“Without a comprehensive facility siting evaluation, it is not clear that workers are being relocated to buildings that are safe from future fires, explosions or toxic releases,” Drew Sahli, agency investigator in charge, said in a press release.
CSB says “complete findings, analyses and additional recommendations, if appropriate,” will be part of a final investigation report.
