Investigation Report
Watson Grinding Fatal Explosion and Fire
Watson Grinding Fatal Explosion and Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHot Work and Fire
- ExplosionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failureProcess safetyRegulation and legislation
- Gas detectorHoseProcess pipework and pipelinesValve
- Emergency responseFunctional testingEnergy and process isolationManagement of change
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of the Houston propylene explosion that killed two employees and a nearby resident. It examines a degraded, poorly crimped hose, inconsistent supply isolation and non-functional automated safeguards. Findings address process safety management, change assessment, emergency preparedness and regulatory exclusions; lighting activation is identified as the likely ignition event.
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: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
The massive explosion fatally injured two workers and caused extensive damage to nearby structures.
Themes: explosion, hot work and fire.