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N0KFQ > TODAY 23.10.15 16:30l 54 Lines 2268 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 70929_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Oct 23
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<IR1UAW<IQ5KG<I0OJJ<N6RME<N0KFQ
Sent: 151023/1430Z 70929@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ1.4.64
1989
Gas leak kills 23 at plastics factory
On this day in 1989, 23 people die in a series of explosions
sparked by an ethylene leak at a factory in Pasadena, Texas. The
blasts, which took place at a Phillips Petroleum Company plant,
were caused by inadequate safety procedures.
A polyethylene reactor at the Phillips 66 Chemical Complex in
Pasadena created chemical compounds necessary for the production
of plastics. The plant produced millions of pounds of plastics
daily for use in toys and containers.
In an effort to cut costs, Phillips subcontracted much of the
necessary maintenance work in the plant. Fish Engineering and
Construction, the primary subcontractor, did not enjoy a stellar
reputation even prior to the October 23 disaster. In August, a
Fish employee opened gas piping for maintenance without isolating
the line. This caused flammable solvents and gas to be sent into
a work area where they ignited, killing one worker and injuring
four others.
Fish was undertaking maintenance work on the plant's polyethylene
reactor on October 23 when, once again, problems arose. A valve
was not secured properly, and at approximately 1 p.m., 85,000
pounds of highly flammable ethylene-isobutane gas were released
into the plant. There were no detectors or warning systems in
place to give notice of the impending disaster. Within two
minutes, the large gas cloud ignited with the power of
two-and-a-half tons of dynamite.
The explosion could be heard for miles in every direction and the
resulting fireball was visible at least 15 miles away.
Twenty-three workers at Phillips were killed and another 130 were
seriously injured as the first explosion set off a chain reaction
of blasts.
A subsequent investigation found that although the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had cited Phillips for
several serious safety violations in previous years, it had not
done a comprehensive inspection of the plant since 1975. Other
testimony revealed that inadequate safety procedures used during
the maintenance process had left the plant vulnerable to
disaster. However, no criminal charges were filed against
Phillips or its managers.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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