U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Investigation Report: Case Study Uncontrolled Oleum Release Petrolia, Pennsylvania (Three Towns Evacuated)

摘要

This case study examines an oleum release that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, October 11, 2008, in Petrolia, Pennsylvania. During a transfer operation, an oleum (fuming sulfuric acid) process tank overflowed, filled an exhaust ventilation system, and released the oleum into a storage building. The oleum release created a cloud of sulfuric acid mist that filled the building. The sulfuric acid cloud flowed out to the facility grounds and beyond the fence line into the surrounding community. Plant personnel evacuated the facility and community emergency responders ordered the evacuation or shelter-in-place of about 2,500 residents from the towns of Petrolia, Bruin, and Fairview.