Scubber plant accident- changes to industry

[Rich2001]

See the linked news artcles on the accident at the Motiva Refinery in Delaware.

http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2001/08/14skepticsdo.html

What changes would you expect to see in the industry due to the investiagtion into this accident.

 

[SAFTENG]

Rich,

Having been following this incident closely, I would recommend that Motiva try practicing a basic mechanical integrity program. From the documents posted at the accident website and from what the news accounts have stated, I would say that their lack of action boarders criminal mischief and this is one case that I feel the family of the missing contractor has every right to sue. Knowing that Sulfuric acid is not a PSM or RMP covered chemical I would expect to see (not that this will happen) a move to either include this heavily used and marketed chemical in the listed chemcials in these process safety regualtions OR a stronger enforcement by EPA in using their General Duty Clause for the CAA Section 112.

I have really focused on the Motiva accident as what not to do for my subscribers at

http://www.SAFTENG.net.

If blowing up a human being is not bad enough, maybe the pure hell this company is having to go through now just to remain open will scare some high level management into doing what is RIGHT, even if it is not regulated. Lastly, this accident is a clear example of a very profitable company that can not police it's self, like many of them have told congress they could do and do it better than OSHA and EPA.

I hope this accident changes things, but more than likely it will only change the number of lobbist in D.C. working for the American Chemistry Council (formerly CMA)!

Bryan Haywood

http://www.SAFTENG.net

and a Safety & Health Manager in the Process Chemical Industry