Search

CSB Releases Report on Atchison, KS Chlorine Gas Release

Posted on 1/5/2018 by Roger Marks

The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) this week released a new video and case study that detail the October 2016 release of chlorine gas from a grain processing and distilling facility in Atchison, Kansas.

What happened? On October 21, 2016, a routine shipment of 30% sulfuric acid arrived at the Atchison plant by truck. While unloading the material, the driver found two unlabeled, unlocked, and identical feed lines, situated eighteen inches apart—one led to a tank of sulfuric acid and the other to a tank of sodium hypochlorite (i.e., bleach). 

The driver hooked up to the wrong feed line, pumping sulfuric acid into the wrong tank, which started a chemical reaction and resulted in a cloud of chlorine and other compounds that floated through the facility and community. The chemical reaction went on for nearly 45 minutes because the driver was unable to reach shut-off equipment due to the chemical cloud engulfing the truck.

See CSB’s case study and recommendations here.
 
 

Is Unloading Hazmat Especially Dangerous?

Loading and unloading hazardous materials may seem simple compared to more complex industrial processes. However, because unloading often involves large volumes of hazardous chemicals, the consequences of an incident during this process can be severe and widespread. 

In fact, PHMSA data from 2003–2007 shows a significant number of reported incidents occurred during loading or unloading incident to movement of hazmat. Since January 1, 2014, eight hazmat incidents involved incompatible chemicals mistakenly mixed together during loading, resulting in chemical reactions, 44 injuries, and 846 evacuations.


What Is the Chemical Safety Board (CSB)?

In 1990, as part of a bill to amend the US EPA's Clean Air Act, Congress established the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). An independent Federal agency, the CSB is charged with investigating chemical accidents and hazards at industrial facilities. It operates under the direct supervision of the president and Congress, to which it must submit annual reports on its activities.

Modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the 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.

Read more: Know Your Safety Agency—CSB

Find courses to help satsify DOT and OSHA hazardous materials training mandates at Lion.com/Catalog. 
 

Tags: chemicals, DOT, EPCRA, hazmat shipping, HAZWOPER

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.