Oil & Gas
Refinery sites reminded of risks after Pembroke blast
Following the incident at the Chevron Pembroke Refinery on 2 June the HSE is reminding site operators of the dangers associated with this type of operation and of the guidance available to ensure the work is undertaken safety.
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred at the site during tank-cleaning operations within the amine recovery unit and resulted in the death of four people, and serious injuries to one other. A joint Police and COMAH Competent Authority investigation team is currently working to establish the cause of the incident.
Ron De Cort, head of operations, Wales and West of England, in the HSE’s Hazardous Installations Directorate, says the risks associated with tank cleaning are widely recognised in the major-hazard industries, and there are well-established control measures. These are outlined in:
- Safe maintenance, repair and cleaning procedures, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L137);
- Guidance on permit-to-work systems: A guide for the petroleum, chemical and allied industries, HSG250; and
- Code of Safe Practice Part 16 – Tank Cleaning Safety Code, Energy Institute, 2008.
Added De Cort: “Site operators should review their arrangements for cleaning tanks that contain hazardous substances and ensure that they meet current good practice.”
Refinery sites reminded of risks after Pembroke blast
Following the incident at the Chevron Pembroke Refinery on 2 June the HSE is reminding site operators of the dangers associated with this type of operation and of the guidance available to ensure the work is undertaken safety.
Safety & Health Practitioner
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