Beirut Explosion Strikes Similarities to 2013 West, TX Incident, Says CSB

Posted on 8/11/2020 by Lauren Scott

Last week, the Chairman of the US Chemical Safety and Hazardous Investigation Board (CSB) released a statement reflecting that the massive chemical explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4 may have similar characteristics to the West Fertilizer Plant Explosion of 2013.

Although the explosion is still under investigation, news sources report that the incident in Lebanon’s capitol city may have been caused by prolonged storage of ammonium nitrate without the proper safety measures. This industrial chemical is commonly used as a fertilizer and is the main component of many types of mining explosives.

2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were allegedly stored in a shipping container at Beirut’s cargo port for over six years when it erupted in smoke and flame last week, leaving at least 154 dead and thousands more injured.

Video Credit: CBC News: The National

CSB’s Call to Action

CSB Chairman Katherine Lemos points to several similarities between this incident and the equally devastating West Fertilizer Plant Explosion. On April 17, 2013, a fire and explosion in West, Texas killed 15 people, injured more than 260 others, and caused widespread community damage. After a thorough investigation, CSB determined the incident was caused by inadequate storage and handling of ammonium nitrate.

Since 2013, Federal agencies have made changes to the way companies can handle, store, and ship the potentially hazardous chemical. These regulatory changes include increased inspections by OSHA and new guidance on emergency planning issued from EPA.

In her statement, the chairman says incidents such as those in West, Texas and Beirut are preventable and argues for even more regulatory changes to keep employees, cargo, and our communities safe.

Read the full statement here.

Tags: Beirut, Beirut explosion, chemical accident, chemical explosion, CSB, EPA, hazardous materials, hazmat, hazmat news, Lebanon, osha, West Texas explosion

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

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

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

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

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

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

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

Download

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.