CSB Chemical Emergency Preparedness Video Promotes Safety
June 10, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a safety video, "Emergency Preparedness: Findings from CSB Accident Investigations," depicting a series of chemical accidents illustrating the need for training, communications and community planning to ensure chemical safety.
Chemical accidents used in the film include:
- A boiling liquid expansion vapor explosion (BLEVE) in a large propane tank that occurred in a fatal 1998 accident in Albert City, Iowa.
- A propane explosion which destroyed a convenience store in Ghent, W. Va.
- A hazardous waste facility that caught fire in 2006.
- An allyl alcohol toxic chemical release in Dalton, Ga.
- Chlorine releases in Festus, Missouri, and Glendale, Ariz.
- A reactive chemical explosion in Jacksonville, Fla.
- A reactive chemical explosion and community evacuation in Institute, W. Va.
Lessons from the accidents, as described by CSB investigators and board members, fire chiefs and others include:
- The need for preparations by companies, emergency responders, government authorities and the public.
- The importance of communications, including up-to-date plans that are practiced regularly.
- Training until it becomes second nature.
- Training to rapidly evacuate danger zones.
- Training and guidance on BLEVE hazards.
The video is available on the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) web site.
Source: U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB).
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