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Chlorine transfer hose failure
1US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, 2175 K Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037, USA. giby.joseph@csb.gov
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 3, 2004
Summary
A chlorine transfer hose rupture released 48,000 pounds of toxic gas, impacting hundreds and hospitalizing 63. Lessons learned from this DPC Enterprises incident aim to prevent future chemical releases.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Safety
- Environmental Health
Background:
- A catastrophic transfer hose failure at DPC Enterprises on August 14, 2002, resulted in a significant chlorine gas release.
- The incident occurred during a rail tank car unloading operation, impacting the surrounding community and leading to emergency responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present lessons learned from the DPC Enterprises chlorine release incident.
- To provide insights to prevent similar chemical release events in industrial settings.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) Report Number 2002-04-I-MO.
- Review of the sequence of events leading to the hose rupture and subsequent chlorine release.
Main Results:
- Release of 48,000 pounds of toxic chlorine gas.
- 63 individuals required hospital treatment for exposure; hundreds were affected.
- Community shelter-in-place and traffic halts were implemented.
Conclusions:
- The incident underscores the critical importance of robust transfer hose integrity in chemical handling operations.
- Implementing lessons learned can significantly enhance safety protocols and mitigate risks associated with hazardous material releases.