CSB Issues Update on Ohio Paint Factory Explosion That Killed One

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