Accident: Herrig Brothers Farm Propane Tank Explosion
Location: Location: Albert City, IA
Accident Occurred On: 04/09/1998 | Final Report Released On: 06/23/1999
Accident Type: Chemical Distribution - Fire and Explosion
Investigation Status: The final report on this investigation was approved on June 23, 1999.
On April 9, 1998, an 18,000-gallon propane tank exploded at the Herrig Brothers farm in Albert City, Iowa. The explosion killed two volunteer firefighters and injured seven other emergency response personnel. Several buildings were also damaged by the blast.
Ensure that fire fighter training materials address proper response procedures for BLEVEs.
Install protection (i.e., fencing or barricades) to protect aboveground propane pipes from possible damage from vehicles.
Install properly sized propane outlet piping from excess flow valves.
Develop a program to ensure implementation of the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA-58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, as adopted by Iowa law. Ensure that this program includes, at a minimum the following element: Designation by regulation of the party (such as a facility owner or installer) who is responsible for submitting planned construction or modification documents to the State Fire Marshall.
Develop a program to ensure implementation of the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA-58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, as adopted by Iowa law. Ensure that this program includes, at a minimum, the following elements: · Procedures for approving the plans for new or modified installations
Develop a program to ensure implementation of the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA-58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, as adopted by Iowa law. Ensure that this program includes, at a minimum, the following elements: Procedures governing the issuance and posting of permits authorizing the use of equipment
Develop a program to ensure implementation of the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA-58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, as adopted by Iowa law. Ensure that this program includes, at a minimum, the following elements: · On-site inspections of new, modified, and existing propane and other Liquefied Petroleum Gas storage facilities that are covered by Iowa state law.
Ensure that fire fighter-training materials address proper response procedures for BLEVEs.
Distribute the CSB findings and recommendations in this report to NPGA members.