Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released the animation video from the accident happened on April 17, 2013, in West, Texas, where thirty tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, causing fifteen deaths (twelve emergency responders and three member of the community) and injured hundreds more.
The CSB pointed out four findings from the investigation:
– “Poor hazard awareness;
– Proximity of the facility to neaby homes and business;
– Inadequate emergency planning;
– And limited regulatory oversight.”
The facility was built in 1954. Thence, until the accident occurs were elapsed fifty and five years. Sometimes we are surprised during a risk analysis when someone says “I work here over thirty years and it never occurred an accident like this.” The ammonium nitrate accident can help these people to understand that accidents can occur, regardless of the operating elapsed time of the facility. Then, it is necessary to adopt a robust risk management to eliminate or control risk in order to avoid disasters. Do not believe in luck!
See the animation video below