Investigation Report
Packaging Corporation Storage Tank Explosion — Seven Key Lessons to Prevent Worker Deaths During Hot Work In and Around Tanks
Packaging Corporation Storage Tank Explosion — Seven Key Lessons to Prevent Worker Deaths During Hot Work In and Around Tanks
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionFire
- Hot work
- Gas detectorStorage tanks
- Competence and trainingAtmospheric gas testingPermit to workRisk assessment
- Downstream and process industriesUpstream oil and gas
- Onshore facility
Summary
This safety bulletin examines eleven hot-work accidents involving tanks across several industries. Seven lessons address alternatives to hot work, hazard assessment, atmospheric monitoring, adjacent spaces, written permits, training and contractor supervision. Cases distinguish absent gas testing from ineffective testing, emphasising detector calibration, sampling locations and monitoring before and during work.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.