AB Specialty Silicones, LLC

Accident Description

Accident: AB Specialty Silicones, LLC

Location: Location: Waukegan, IL

Accident Occurred On: 05/03/2019 | Final Report Released On: 09/24/2021

Accident Type: Release

Investigation Status: The CSB's final report was approved at a public board meeting on Friday September 24, 2021. The final report will be posted shortly.

On Friday May 3, 2019, a massive explosion and fire occurred at the AB Specialty Silicones facility in Waukegan, IL, killing four workers and causing extensive damage to nearby businesses.

Recommendations

AB Specialty Silicones, LLC

2019-03-I-IL-1

Develop hazardous gas detection and alarm programs and associated procedures based on manufacturer specifications, current codes, standards, and industry good practice guidance, for all hazardous gases that could be released near workers, including hydrogen. The program must address proper installation, calibration, inspection, maintenance, training, and routine operations. Ensure such hazardous gas detection and alarm systems are functional at all times.

Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.

Recommendation Status Change Summary

2019-03-I-IL-2

Establish a safety management system that addresses process safety at the AB Specialty Waukegan, Illinois facility. Include in that system elements recommended in industry guidance publications, including Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) publications Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety and Guidelines for Implementing Process Safety Management.

Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.

Recommendation Status Change Summary

2019-03-I-IL-3

Incorporate into operations and activities at AB Specialty the specific elements recommended in CCPS’s Essential Practices for Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards, which are:

1. Put into place a system to manage chemical reactivity hazards

2. Collect reactivity hazard information

3. Identify chemical reactivity hazards

4. Test for chemical reactivity

5. Assess chemical reactivity risks

6. Identify and implement process controls and risk management options

7. Document chemical reactivity risks and management decisions

8. Communicate and train on chemical reactivity hazards

9. Investigate chemical reactivity incidents

10. Review, audit, manage change in, and improve hazard management practices and programs.

Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.

Recommendation Status Change Summary

AB Specialty Silicones, LLC

Accident Description

Final Reports

Recommendations

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