Search
Search

Question of the Week: What is the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board?

Posted on 4/5/2011 by James Griffin

Q. I heard in the news that the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) was sending a team to investigate a workplace fire in Tennessee. So, what is the CSB, and what does it do?
 
A. The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is an independent agency of the Federal Government that investigates the root causes of chemical accidents at industrial facilities and makes safety recommendations to prevent future accidents. 
 
Congress created the CSB as part of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, though the Board did not begin operations until 1998. Inspired by the model of the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), the CSB is a completely independent agency, separate from any other government department.
 
Although the Board coordinates with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), its investigations are completely separate from the rulemaking, inspection, or enforcement functions of other agencies. In this way the CSB’s investigations can identify hazards and causes not already regulated by OSHA or the EPA; and the Board’s safety recommendations can address shortcomings in the safety regulations promulgated by OSHA and EPA.
 
When the CSB completes an investigation they may issue safety recommendations to industry, labor organizations, and other government agencies describing practices that could prevent future accidents.
 
In addition to its investigations and safety recommendations the CSB raises awareness of chemical safety hazards by creating videos that dramatize high profile accidents and explain the hazards of chemical industrial facilities.
 
References: http://www.csb.gov

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.