Accident Details

Location: Location: La Porte, TX

Accident Occurred On: 07/27/2021

Accident Type: Release

Investigation Status: The CSB’s final report was released on 05/25/2023.

Incident Overview

On July 27, 2021, a catastrophic release of approximately 164,000 pounds of highly corrosive acetic acid occurred at the LyondellBasell La Porte Complex in La Porte, Texas. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of two contract workers and serious injuries to a third. The incident was triggered when three contractors inadvertently removed critical components of a plug valve, leading to the failure of the valve and the subsequent release of the acetic acid mixture.

Key Findings

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) conducted an in-depth investigation into the incident and identified several critical safety issues:

• Valve Design Vulnerability: The plug valve design allowed for human error during maintenance, contributing to the accidental release.
• Lack of Proper Procedures and Training: The contractors were not provided with clear procedures or adequate training on how to safely remove the valve actuator, leading to the inadvertent removal of pressure-retaining components.

Safety Recommendations

In its final report, the CSB made several recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future:

• Valve Design Improvements: The need for enhanced valve designs that prevent human error during maintenance operations.
• Enhanced Training and Procedures: Ensuring that workers are provided with comprehensive training and clear procedures before undertaking maintenance tasks.

Full Investigation Report

For a comprehensive understanding of the incident, you can access the full CSB investigation report, which provides in-depth analysis and additional safety recommendations.