Chemical Safety Board pushes for expanded use of remote isolation equipment

Washington — Many chemical facilities “have not fully recognized that the effective remote isolation of equipment is critical to quickly stopping releases of hazardous materials” and protecting workers, the Chemical Safety Board says.

It’s a key takeaway of a recent CSB report that calls for improved remote isolation, which allows process equipment to be shut off from a safe distance. The report stems from CSB analysis of incidents involving a lack of such equipment, including a fatal explosion and fire in April 2019 at the KMCO production facility in Crosby, TX, and a November 2019 fire and explosion at the TPC Group chemical plant in Port Neches, TX.

“It is critical that facilities in the United States that use or store large quantities of hazardous chemicals evaluate and improve upon their remote isolation capabilities,” the report states. “A key opportunity to evaluate remote isolation needs is during the process hazard analysis – a systematic review that is required by U.S. regulations to evaluate process hazards and their safeguards.”

CSB notes that equipment such as valves can contain or divert the release of hazardous materials, helping to curb chemical incidents and subsequent worker injuries.

Speaking during a July 25 public meeting, CSB member Catherine J.K. Sandoval said the issue isn’t a lack of technology, but lack of its implementation.

“The technology exists in multiple ways to use remote isolation equipment and be able to incorporate it within existing systems so that when you get alarms, with the touch of a button, then you know a vessel can be turned off and you don’t have overpressurization or you don’t have to send out a person to turn off a valve,” she said.

CSB recommends OSHA update its standard on process safety management to “include an evaluation of the need for remote isolation devices.” It also calls on the Environmental Protection Agency revise its Risk Management Program rule to require a similar evaluation.

Additionally, CSB calls on the American Petroleum Institute to expand industry guidance documents on remote isolation equipment to facilities beyond refineries.