Investigation Report
Little General Store Propane Explosion — Final Investigation Report
Little General Store Propane Explosion — Final Investigation Report
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failureProcess safetyRegulation and legislation
- Fluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Pressure vesselValve
- Competence and trainingEmergency responseEvacuation, escape and rescueIndependent audit and verification
Summary
Investigation of a fatal propane explosion at a West Virginia convenience store during preparations for tank-to-tank transfer. The report examines withdrawal-valve failure, tank placement, inspection and audit weaknesses, technician training and delayed evacuation. Valve examination and flow testing support the analysis, supplemented by comparisons with five other propane incidents.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Independent audit and verification.