Search

CSB Issues Update on Ohio Paint Factory Explosion That Killed One

Posted on 4/15/2021 by Lauren Scott

On April 13, US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released new findings on the Columbus, OH paint factory explosion that killed one and injured nine others.

According to CSB, the facility was conducting its alkyd resin manufacturing process during the early morning hours of April 8 when an accidental release occurred at about 12:02 am.

To manufacture this resin, materials are mixed in a metallic kettle with an agitator and heated by a furnace. Although CSB noted that the incident occurred during the heating process, the Agency’s investigation is still ongoing.

As part of its investigation, the Agency is focusing on the resin building where the incident occurred. On April 14, CSB removed the catch tank on top of the damaged resin building and is expected to review the structural integrity of facility with a structural engineer.

CSB plans to finalize its Evidence and Site Control (ESCA) document and continue interviewing managers, company leadership, site engineers, and operators.

CSB is also coordinating its investigation with OSHA. Due to the flammable liquids stored on site, the facility is covered under OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard.
 

What is the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board?

CSB's role is to investigate serious chemical accidents, identify their root causes, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the Board can make recommendations to governing agencies like OSHA and US EPA, it does not have rulemaking, inspection, or enforcement powers.

Created in 1990 as part of a bill to amend the Clean Air Act, the CSB reports directly to Congress and the President of the US.
 

Tags: accidental release, Chemical safety, chemicals, CSB, osha, release, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.