Investigation Report: Vent Collection System Explosion, Technic Inc., Cranston, Rhode Island, February 7, 2003

摘要

This investigation report examines an explosion in a vent collection system at Technic Inc., a plating chemicals manufacturing and research facility in Cranston, Rhode Island. One person was critically injured, 18 employees received medical evaluations, and the surrounding community was evacuated because of concerns about the potential formation and release of hydrogen cyanide gas. This report identifies the root and contributing causes of the incident and makes recommendations on process safety review, incompatible chemical mixing, management of change, preventive maintenance, and emergency planning and response. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is an independent Federal agency whose mission is to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment by investigating and preventing chemical incidents. CSB is a scientific investigative organization$ it is not an enforcement or regulatory body. Established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, CSB is responsible for determining the root and contributing causes of accidents, issuing safety recommendations, studying chemical safety issues, and evaluating the effectiveness of other government agencies involved in chemical safety.