Investigation Report
Sunoco Logistics Partners Flash Fire
Sunoco Logistics Partners Flash Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Control of WorkHot Work and Fire
- ExplosionFireRegulation and legislation
- Hot workInspection and maintenance
- Gas detectorProcess pipework and pipelines
- Atmospheric gas testingEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresPermit to work
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of a flash fire and explosion during flange welding at Sunoco’s Nederland terminal, injuring seven contractors. The report examines residual crude oil, pipe isolation tools, atmospheric testing, permits and procedure implementation. It discusses similar incidents and stresses ensuring a non-flammable internal atmosphere before hot work; the specific causal scenario remains unresolved.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
On August 12, 2016, seven workers were injured - three critically - when a flash fire occurred during hot work activities at Sunoco Logistics Partners, a terminal facility in Nederland, Texas.
Themes: control of work, hot work and fire.