Investigation Report
Cuisine Solutions Ammonia Release
Cuisine Solutions Ammonia Release
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Hazardous Substances
- Hazardous substancesLoss of containmentPressure systemsProcess safetyRespiratory hazards
- Inspection and maintenance
- Gas detectorPressure vesselProcess pipework and pipelinesValve
- Alarm managementCompetence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescuePressure relief
- Onshore facility
Summary
CSB investigates an ammonia refrigeration release at Cuisine Solutions in Sterling, Virginia, which injured workers during evacuation. Relief-valve testing and dispersion modelling examine overpressure, liquid aerosol and unsafe discharge. The initiating upset remains undetermined. Recommendations address relief-system assessment, process-data retention, ammonia alarms and emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Respiratory hazards; respirable dust; inhalation hazards.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
Investigation into an ammonia release at a food processing facility.
Themes: hazardous substances.