December 20, 2021, Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) continues to investigate the incident at Yenkin-Majestic in Columbus, Ohio.  The following is an update on the investigation. The CSB continues to work with Yenkin-Majestic on field investigative activities to retrieve physical evidence. Tank cleaning, waste removal, and demolition activities have been ongoing since April to access key pieces of physical evidence inside the resin plant. Investigators accessed Kettle 3’s manway cover last week for the first time, where the initial flammable vapor release occurred on the night of the incident. Investigators retained the manway lid and rupture disk for further examination. The CSB is developing plans to inspect and test some evidentiary items, including electrical components, resin samples, and process equipment, at off-site testing facilities in 2022. Investigative activities are being conducted via procedures and protocols according to the ESCA (evidentiary and site control agreement) between Yenkin-Majestic, OSHA, and the CSB. Most of the resin plant, except for the structure immediately surrounding Kettle 3, has been demolished. OSHA completed their inspection and posted their press release in October 2021. The Columbus Division of Fire investigators completed their investigation in November 2021. The CSB investigation is ongoing. 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. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at [email protected]. Adblock test (Why?)

December 10, 2021 – Washington, DC - The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is pleased to acknowledge the U.S. Senate confirmation of two new CSB Board Members, Stephen Owens and Sylvia Johnson.  Chairperson Lemos looks forward to working with them to build a strong and diverse Board, adding to the skilled technical resources and community advocacy voices as we perform our valuable work.   According to Lemos, “I am proud of the team we have at the CSB, and welcome new Board Members as we rebuild the agency. Each will bring unique perspectives and knowledge to investigations and final outcomes, to the strategic direction of our agency, and in advancing our advocacy efforts.”   In addition to voting on investigations and safety products, another fundamental element of our process – advocacy – is a key role performed by the Board. Each member, based on their experience, technical background, and interest, selects one or two key advocacy efforts from our Critical Drivers List (CDL) to present the CSB’s perspective to our industries, communities, and regulating bodies. This dramatically improves the impact and activity around chemical plant operations with a direct effect on worker, community, and environmental safety. Adblock test (Why?)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]CSB Response to Energy and Commerce

October 29, 2021, Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) held its first quarterly business meeting of Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). Dr. Katerine Lemos, Chairperson and CEO of the CSB, provided a broad update on recent agency successes and upcoming plans, and stressed the agency’s strong upward trend in performance. The CSB’s Acting Managing Director David LaCerte provided administrative updates about the agency including hiring activities to ensure the CSB is fully staffed. These updates include the hiring of a recent batch of chemical incident investigators and future recruitment of additional investigators as well as multiple recommendations specialists. Stephen Klejst, the CSB’s Executive Director, detailed the FY22 plan to complete open investigations. The first four investigations likely to be considered for closure are: Sunoco Logistics in Nederland, TX, Didion Milling in Cambria, WI, Bio-Lab Conyers in Conyers, GA, and the Loy-Lang Box Company in St. Louis, MO. The CSB also plans to consider an additional nine investigations for completion in FY22 and an another five investigations in FY23, with all investigations having assigned staff. Finally, the CSB’s Director of Recommendations, Charles Barbee, highlighted several key recommendations that were recently closed that are of an especially impactful nature as they are both on the top of our advocacy list.  Remarks and presentations by the Chairperson and other meeting participants will be released on the CSB’s website, which will also feature a recording of today’s meeting. For more information, contact CSB Public Affairs at [email protected]. Adblock test (Why?)

Washington D.C. October 29, 2021 - Today, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will convene a public meeting at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The Board will review the CSB's progress in meeting its mission and highlight safety products newly released through investigations and safety recommendations.The public meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM. The access information will be provided by email to registrants.Registration is required via the following link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItc-ypqTsiE8fNj3oJkd2CwJ4RonSFLig. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.To submit public comments for the record please email us at [email protected]. Public comments sent in advance may be addressed at the meeting. Federal Register Notice ​ Adblock test (Why?)

Washington D.C. October 21, 2021 - Today, the CSB released its FY 2021 Impact Report that outlines agency accomplishments and activities over the last fiscal year. Highlights include the closure of three investigations as well as a record level of recommendations closures and status changes.   Chairman Lemos said, “The progress the team made in FY 2021 is truly impressive. I look forward to continuing to diligently work towards moving the CSB forward as quickly and transparently as possible." In particular, the CSB issued 20 new safety recommendations in FY 2021, in comparison to zero during FY 2020. A major focus for the CSB in FY 2021 has been advancing and closing previously issued recommendations, as recommendations are the CSB’s key tool for creating positive safety change. In FY21, the CSB’s Board voted on 47 recommendation status changes, 41 ofthose were closed, 28 of which were closed acceptably.  The FY 2021 Impact Report also includes information on the five deployments as well as a summary of the many outreach and advocacy events undertaken by the Board. In addition, in FY 2021, the CSB made a commitment to increase transparency. The agency has demonstrated this through initiating live virtual Board Meetings following completion of investigations. This provides the public with insight into the staff’s investigative process, the facts and analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Further, the Board’s deliberation occurs in real time. In FY 2021, utilizing this new transparency process, the agency closed three investigations: Aghorn, AB Specialty Silicones and Evergreen Packaging. Lastly, in FY 2021 the CSB held four virtual Sunshine Act Board Business Meetings which allowed the public to hear updates on the agency’s activities. In FY 2022 the agency is continuing this process and plans to release at least six investigation reports. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at [email protected]. Adblock test (Why?)

Start Preamble October 29, 2021, 1:00 p.m. EDT (1.5 hours). The public 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/​vJItc-ypqTsiE8fNj3oJkd2CwJ4RonSFLig. 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 Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. This meeting serves to fulfill its quarterly October Start Printed Page 51862public 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: September 14, 2021. Tamara Qureshi, Assistant General Counsel, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. End Signature End Preamble [FR Doc. 2021-20292 Filed 9-15-21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6350-01-P Adblock test (Why?)

Washington, D.C. October 7, 2021. -  Dr. Katherine A. Lemos, Chairperson and CEO of the U.S Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board testified before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce which held a hybrid hearing that included both in-person and remote attendance on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.  Full committee Chairman, Frank Pallone (NJ), set the tone and said, “In my view, getting the CSB back to functioning at the highest level is the first step. The goal of today’s hearing is to help get CSB back on track, and I hope that we can all come together to revitalize this critical agency.” Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (CO) also noted “…this is the role the CSB plays when it comes to industrial incidents. The CSB improves the safety of American workers, communities, and the environment by investigating the root causes of these tragic events and making recommendations to prevent them in the future.” Dr. Lemos provided opening remarks that focused on the agency’s strategic goals: to advocate for safety, to prevent the recurrence of significant chemical incidents, and to maintain an engaged and high-performing workforce. The hearing focused on questions from Members regarding the ongoing mission, governance, investigation backlogs, hiring for critical staff positions, and other challenges. Throughout the hearing, Dr. Lemos provided details regarding the significant progress made towards these goals since she assumed her role last year. May 20, 2021, Congressional Letter to CSB  June 10, 2021, CSB Response to Congressional Letter Testimony from September 29, 2021, Hearing Video of September 29, 2021 Congressional Hearing  Adblock test (Why?)

U.S. Chemical Safety Board Chairman Katherine Lemos Testifies at September 29th ​Hearing Protecting Communities from Industrial Accidents: Revitalizing the Chemical Safety BoardWashington, D.C., September 29, 2021 - Today Chairman Lemos was joined by Managing Director LaCerte for invited testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee at a hearing regarding the important work of the agency.    Chairman Lemos said, “I want to emphasize my appreciation to Congress and specifically the subcommittee for continuing to support the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's (CSB's) work and mission,” The CSB is the only federal agency tasked with independently investigating the causes of chemical accidents and making recommendations to prevent future incidents and fulfils an invaluable role to protect industry, workers and the environment.  During testimony Chairman Lemos emphasized that she is  proud to carry out that important mission and to continue to move the agency's work forward. “I want to again thank the committee for their support and I look forward to working with them as I continue my tenure as CSB Chairperson. We still have a lot of work to do but I know that my team is up to the task.” said Chairman Lemos.    The CSB expects to bring four additional investigations forward for final legal review by the end of the calendar year. These investigations are Sunoco Logistics in Nederland, TX, Didion Milling from Cambria, WI, Biolab Conyers, from Conyers GA, and Loy Lange Box Company in St. Lewis, MO.​Managing Director LaCerte said, "This backlog of investigations was not created overnight, and it will not be fully addressed overnight. Some of these investigations have sat dormant for over five years through multiple administrations. This is unacceptable. Our outstanding mission team is working hard to bring these investigations to completion through improved process and enhanced staffing to improve the safety of the nation’s workforce, our communities, and the environment.”   The CSB is an independent, non-regulatory federal agency whose mission is to drive chemical safety change through independent investigations to protect people and the environment. The agency’s board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical incidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. For more information, contact [email protected].​ ​ Adblock test (Why?)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Board Action Report for Approval of Evergreen Investigation