CSB continues investigation into Tesoro’s Anacortes refinery accident
Marking the one year anniversary of the tragic accident at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington, the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a video safety message in which Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso urged refinery companies to “make the investments necessary to ensure safe operations. Companies that continue to invest in safety and recognize its importance will reap benefits far into the future.”
The video highlights the CSB’s ongoing investigation into the April 2, 2010, accident that killed seven workers. At the time of the incident a heat exchanger was being brought online when the nearly 40 year old piece of equipment catastrophically failed, spewing highly flammable hydrogen and naphtha which ignited and exploded.
“The Tesoro accident is only one of several fatal incidents that occurred in the oil and gas production and refining sector in 2010 alone,” said CSB Chairman Moure-Eraso. “Serious incidents at refineries continue to occur with alarming frequency.”
Dr. Moure-Eraso urges companies to take action to prevent accidents, including:
• Implement a robust mechanical integrity programs with an emphasis on thorough inspections of critical equipment
• Monitor process safety performance using appropriate leading and lagging indicators to measure process safety before major accidents occur
• Maintain an open and trusting safety culture where near-misses and loss of containment incidents are reported and investigated.
Tesoro disputes the findings of the CSB. Company spokesperson Mike Marcy said in a statement that, “We disagree with the chairman’s characterization of Tesoro’s operations at Anacortes. The heat exchanger was maintained and inspected in accordance with regulations and industry standards. We continue to cooperate with the CSB and look forward to clarifying the facts as the Board completes its investigation and prepares a final report.”
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