Investigation into fatal hydrogen sulfide release turns to safe work practices

Washington — Further investigation of a fatal release of hydrogen sulfide at a Texas refinery will focus on safe work practices and human factors, the Chemical Safety Board says.

The agency offered additional information on the October incident in Deer Park, TX, as part of a second investigation update published March 19. Two workers died and 13 were injured after the release of about 27,000 pounds of hydrogen sulfide – a toxic, colorless gas. The initial update was published in November.

The release occurred after contract workers opened an incorrect flange. Insufficient maintenance and training protocol may have contributed to the incident, CSB says.

“This was a very tragic event that took the lives of two workers and put the surrounding communities at serious risk,” CSB Chair Steve Owens said in a press release. “Maintenance events, like the ones in this incident, must be properly planned and implemented to ensure that they are done safely and that workers and nearby communities are protected.”

The agency says once the investigation is concluded, “complete findings, analyses and recommendations, if appropriate, will be detailed in the CSB’s final investigation report.”