Investigation Report
Bayer CropScience Pesticide Waste Tank Explosion
Bayer CropScience Pesticide Waste Tank Explosion
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHazardous Substances
- ExplosionFunctional safetyHazardous substancesHuman factorsProcess safety
- Gas detectorOperator displays and control interfacesPressure vessel
- Competence and trainingEmergency responseOperating and work proceduresRisk assessment
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of a fatal residue-treater explosion during restart of Bayer’s methomyl unit at Institute, West Virginia. It examines runaway decomposition, bypassed interlocks, deficient startup preparation, operator training and emergency coordination. Detailed modelling assesses the adjacent methyl isocyanate tank’s blast shield, distinguishing actual damage from hypothetical release scenarios.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Functional safety; safety instrumented systems; SIS.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Themes: explosion, hazardous substances.