Author Archives: CSB News

The CSB’s Accidental Release Reporting Rule Data

  CLICK HERE to download the current list of reportable events The regulation governing the reporting of accidental release can be found at title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1604, Reporting of Accidental Releases The regulation requires the owner or operator of a stationary source to report any accidental release resulting in a fatality, serious injury, or substantial property damage​s. The purpose of this part is to require prompt notification of any accidental release within the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s (CSB's) investigatory jurisdiction.   The CSB’s Accidental Release Database includes all accidental release incidents reported since March 23, 2020, the effective date of the Accidental Release Reporting regulation. The database is revised quarterly and may include revisions or corrections to events previously reported and events that were not timely reported to the CSB in accordance with the regulation. Adblock test (Why?)

CSB Releases New Safety Video Incompatible Chemicals: Explosion at AB Specialty Silicones

Washington D.C., April 28, 2022 - Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into a massive explosion and fire that occurred in May of 2019 at the AB Specialty Silicones facility in Waukegan, IL. The incident killed four workers, destroyed the facility, and caused extensive damage to nearby businesses. The CSB's new safety video includes an animation of the events leading up to the incident, and interviews with both the CSB’s Chairperson and Lead Investigator.   At AB Specialty Silicones, two incompatible chemicals were mixed during production of an emulsion product. The chemicals reacted and produced flammable hydrogen gas that ignited, causing the fatal explosion. The incident is one of many investigated by the CSB during the agency’s history that resulted from inadequate recognition and evaluation of reactive chemical hazards. In its report, the agency made recommendations to AB Specialty Silicones and reiterated recommendations to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency with the goal of addressing the regulatory gap covering reactive chemicals.   Chairperson Lemos concludes the video by saying, “It is past time for regulators to fully recognize the hazards presented by reactive chemicals. We call on OSHA and EPA to update their regulatory standards to include better coverage of reactive chemicals. Closing the regulatory gap will prevent further tragic incidents and save lives. Together,  we can impact safety for our chemical industries, our workers, our community, and our environment.” Access the CSB's Investigation Information Page HERE.   The CSB’s core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.  The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Please visit our website, www.csb.gov.For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at [email protected]. Adblock test (Why?)

CSB Releases New Safety Video Simultaneous Tragedy Fire at Evergreen Packaging

Washington D.C., April 4, 2022 - Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a new safety video about a fatal incident at the Evergreen Packaging paper mill in Canton, North Carolina. On September 21, 2020, a fire erupted in a confined space when a heat gun fell into a bucket of flammable resin killing two contract workers. The CSB's safety video includes an animation of the events leading up to the incident, and interviews with both the CSB’s Chairperson and Supervisory Investigator.   The video notes that during its investigation into the incident, the CSB identified four safety issues that led to the incident at Evergreen Packaging: hot work safety, pre-job planning, confined space safety, and combustible materials of vessel construction. As a result of its investigation, the agency made recommendations to Evergreen Packaging, the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Blastco – the contract company involved in the incident – to address those safety issues. Chairperson Lemos concludes the video by saying, “We hope our report and recommendations will further inform industry about the risks inherent to hot work and confined space activities, and how those risks can be successfully mitigated.” Access the CSB's Investigation Information Page HERE  The CSB’s core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.  The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Please visit our website, www.csb.gov.For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at [email protected]. Adblock test (Why?)

CSB will hold April 28 Business Meeting – Registration Required

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will convene a public meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This meeting serves to fulfill its quarterly April public meeting requirement. The Board will review the CSB's progress in meeting its mission and highlight safety products newly released through investigations and safety recommendations. The meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM. The access information will be provided by email to registrants.  Registration is required via the below link:  https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItde2pqjMtHCuA_6JltSsLYaKxkqOk1dc After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's Board Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents and hazards, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. For more information, please contact Hillary Cohen, Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 446-8094. Adblock test (Why?)

CSB will hold April 28 Business Meeting

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will convene a public meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This meeting serves to fulfill its quarterly April public meeting requirement. The Board will review the CSB's progress in meeting its mission and highlight safety products newly released through investigations and safety recommendations. The meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM. The access information will be provided by email to registrants.  Registration is required via the below link:  https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItde2pqjMtHCuA_6JltSsLYaKxkqOk1dc After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's Board Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents and hazards, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. For more information, please contact Hillary Cohen, Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 446-8094. Adblock test (Why?)

Statement from Chairman Katherine Lemos Welcoming Two New Board Members to the CSB

  BEGIN STATEMENT   Today, I am pleased to announce the beginning of the terms of two new CSB Board Members, Stephen Owens and Sylvia Johnson.  Together, we will build a strong and diverse Board, adding to the skilled technical resources and community advocacy voices as we perform our valuable work to make chemical facilities safer for workers, communities, and the environment   Board Members play an important role in reviewing and voting on investigative reports and safety studies, as well as advocating for the CSB’s recommendations across the stakeholder community, to include industry, trade organizations, and in government at the Federal, State and local levels.   Please join me in welcoming Member Owens and Member Johnson as we further the CSB’s mission to drive chemical safety change through independent investigation to protect people and the environment.   END STATEMEN Adblock test (Why?)

CSB will hold January 26 Business Meeting

Start Preamble Start Printed Page 74403 January 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m. EDT (1.5 hours) The meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM. The access information will be provided by email to registrants. Registration is required via the below link: https://www.zoomgov.com/​meeting/​register/​vJItdeitrj4uEiWH1mi6iK-GmGrWpDP2YWA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Open to the public. The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will convene a public meeting on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This meeting serves to fulfill its quarterly January public meeting requirement. The Board will review the CSB's progress in meeting its mission and highlight safety products newly released through investigations and safety recommendations. Hillary Cohen, Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 446-8094. Further information about this public meeting can be found on the CSB website at: www.csb.gov. Background The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's Board Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents and hazards, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. Public Participation The meeting is free and open to the public. This meeting will only be available via ZOOM. Close captions (CC) will be provided. To submit public comments for the record please email us at [email protected]. Public comments sent in advance may be addressed at the meeting. Start Signature Dated: December 28, 2021. Tamara Qureshi, Assistant General Counsel, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. End Signature End Preamble [FR Doc. 2021-28464 Filed 12-28-21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6350-01-P Adblock test (Why?)

CSB will hold January 26 Business Meeting

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will convene a public meeting on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This meeting serves to fulfill its quarterly January public meeting requirement. The Board will review the CSB's progress in meeting its mission and highlight safety products newly released through investigations and safety recommendations. The meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM. The access information will be provided by email to registrants. Registration is required via the below link: https://www.zoomgov.com/​meeting/​register/​vJItdeitrj4uEiWH1mi6iK-GmGrWpDP2YWA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Federal Register Notice The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's Board Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents and hazards, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. For more information, please contact Hillary Cohen, Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 446-8094. Adblock test (Why?)