Investigation Report
Formosa Plastics Propylene Explosion — Case Study
Formosa Plastics Propylene Explosion — Case Study
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- ExplosionFireHydrocarbon releaseProcess safetyRisk management
- Vehicles and driving
- Personal protective equipmentProcess pipework and pipelinesPumpsValve
- Emergency responseFire protectionEnergy and process isolationRisk assessment
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
This case study examines a propylene release, fire and explosions at Formosa’s Point Comfort olefins unit after a forklift-towed trailer pulled out a drain valve. It analyses vehicle impact protection, structural fireproofing, remote isolation and flame-resistant clothing, identifying gaps in hazard reviews and the reuse of plant designs without updated safety guidance.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Vehicles and driving; driving; road transport.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.