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The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board investigated a fire and subsequent explosion that occurred on April 26, 2018, at approximately 9:58 a.m., at a refining company in Superior, Wisconsin. The incident occurred during a planned turnaround with many employees and contractors onsite.

Thirty-six refinery and contract workers were injured and sought medical attention due to the incident. In addition, the chemical disaster caused approximately $550 million in property damage. During the event, the refinery reported that it released 39,000 pounds of a flammable hydrocarbon vapor mixture, which impacted nearby residents. The City of Superior evacuated 2,507 residents within two miles north, three miles to the East and West, and 10 miles south of the refinery. The City of Duluth, Minnesota, issued a shelter-in-place advisory at 8:00 p.m. to protect its residents.

In this newsletter, Dianne Coon, CSP, and Jian Lan discuss the key safeguards that were lacking and led to the 2018 refinery incident. They will also show how an effective compliance audit process can find and correct potential issues before incidents occur. Topics include:

• Transient Hazards: Explosion at the Husky Superior Refinery
• The Challenge
• Our Approach
• The Benefits

Businesses often encounter challenges in creating an effective compliance audit process, as it involves the intricacies of forming qualified teams, effectively auditing the entire PSM/RMP program, and ensuring that all recommendations are resolved or implemented in a timely manner. Overlooking these responsibilities could result in continued PSM program gaps that risk the safety of employees, plant assets, the community, and the environment.

Have a great and safe day.

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