Refineries

Washington — Chemical facility operators need to ensure workers remain at a safe distance from fired heaters when tube temperatures are high, the Chemical Safety Board says in its final report on a November 2023 fire.

Washington — Further investigation of a fatal release of hydrogen sulfide at a Texas refinery will focus on safe work practices and human factors, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Washington — Citing an uptick of incidents at chemical facilities over the past few winters, the Chemical Safety Board is urging refineries, chemical plants and other facilities that contain hazardous materials to prepare for freezing temperatures.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board is emphasizing the importance of thorough risk assessments and emergency preparedness as it continues to investigate a fatal release of hydrogen sulfide.

Washington — Establishing and implementing engineering controls as “preventive safeguards” during a process hazard analysis can help prevent liquid overflow and a possible chemical disaster, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Dallas — During inclement weather, facility operators are obligated to maintain safety, minimize any chemical/oil releases and discharges, and report them in a timely manner.

Tumwater, WA — Process safety management-focused updates to Washington state’s workplace safety rules for petroleum refineries are set to go into effect Dec. 27.

Dallas — Chemical facility operators along the Gulf Coast should take steps to actively prevent releases during hurricanes or other hazardous weather events, the Environmental Protection Agency says.

Washington — Chemical facility operators and workers should pay particular attention to hazards during startup, shutdown, standby and other transient operations in facilities covered under OSHA’s Process Safety Management standard.

Washington — OSHA should develop guidance on the process hazard analysis element of its standard on process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals (1910.119), the Chemical Safety Board recommends in a final report on an April 2018 explosion and fire at a Wisconsin refinery.