Investigation Report
Carbide Industries Fire and Explosion
Carbide Industries Fire and Explosion
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHot Work and Fire
- ExplosionLeadership and safety cultureProcess safetyRegulation and legislationStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenance
- Emergency responsePreventive maintenance
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
CSB case study examines a fatal electric arc furnace explosion at Carbide Industries in Louisville. It discusses cooling-water leaks, furnace-cover deterioration, control-room vulnerability and normalisation of recurring overpressure events. The exact cause remained undetermined. Recommendations address mechanical integrity, preventive maintenance and furnace-cover replacement, alongside identified gaps in furnace standards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Leadership and safety culture; safety culture; safety leadership.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Themes: explosion, hot work and fire.