Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 200210482 - Thirteen employees injured in refinery explosion

Accident Summary Nr: 200210482 -- Report ID: 0626000 -- Event Date: 12/04/1998
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
302099726	12/04/1998	2821	0	Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas

Abstract: On January 21, 1999, a dry ethylene dichloride (EDC) tank was being de-inventoried in preparation for a turnaround of the EDC unit. During the process, the tank exploded and a fire erupted. The explosion completely destroyed the tank and caused collateral damage to adjacent structures and equipment. Employees #1 through #13 and twenty-three coworkers suffered injuries and were transported to the hospital. Employees #1, 7, and 12 were admitted, although none of the injuries were considered serious. It is believed that the presence of a large vapor space, the presence of carry-over oxygen from the reactor, and the static discharge due to vortex agitation in the EDC were all factors contributing to the explosion.

Keywords: OXYGEN, STATIC ELECTRICITY, DISMANTLING, FIRE, EXPLOSION, TANK, REFINERY

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	302099726	Hospitalized injury	Cut/Laceration	Chemical technicians
2	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Cut/Laceration	Chemical technicians
3	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Other	Chemical technicians
4	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Cut/Laceration	Chemical technicians
5	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Hearing Loss	Chemical technicians
6	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
7	302099726	Hospitalized injury	Foreign Body Ineye	Chemical technicians
8	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Other	Chemical technicians
9	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
10	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
11	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
12	302099726	Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
13	302099726	Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians
14	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Bruise/Contus/Abras	Chemical technicians
15	302099726	Non Hospitalized injury	Strain/Sprain	Chemical technicians

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