Investigation Report
Wacker Polysilicon Chemical Release
Wacker Polysilicon Chemical Release
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Control of WorkHazardous Substances
- Falls from heightHazardous substancesLoss of containmentMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Hand toolsProcess pipework and pipelines
- Evacuation, escape and rescueEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresSimultaneous operations coordination
- Downstream and process industries
Summary
This investigation examines a hydrogen chloride release during heat-exchanger maintenance at Wacker Polysilicon. Excessive bolt torque fractured a graphite nozzle; three workers fell while escaping, with one fatality. The report analyses maintenance instructions, hazardous-energy control, simultaneous insulation work and restricted egress, recommending clearer procedures, coordinated operations and additional escape routes.
Classifications: Falls from height; fall from height.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Hand tools; hand-held tools; handheld tools.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Simultaneous operations coordination; SIMOPS; simultaneous operations.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Summary
On Friday November 13, 2020, at approximately 10:04 a.m. EST, seven workers were exposed to a release of hydrochloric acid during a maintenance activity at the <a href="https://www.
Themes: control of work, hazardous substances.