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| CSB | INVESTIGATION INFORMATION PAGE
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| Tosco Avon Refinery Petroleum Naphtha Fire |
| Martinez, CA, February 23, 1999 |
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| Avon refinery's fractionator tower, where a petroleum naphtha leak and fire killed four workers |
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Incident Description
On February 23, 1999, a fire occurred in the crude unit at Tosco Corporation. Avon oil refinery in Martinez, California. Workers were attempting to replace piping attached to a 150-foot-tall fractionator tower while the process unit was in operation. During removal of the piping, naphtha was released onto the hot fractionator and ignited. The flames engulfed five workers located at different heights on the tower. Four men were killed, and one sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Status
The final report on this investigation was approved March 21, 2001.
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Final Investigation Report
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Digest of Tosco Investigation |
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News Release July 15, 2004 - CSB Releases Safety Bulletin Emphasizing Dangers of Working on Piping and Equipment That May Contain Flammable or Chemically Reactive Materials |
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News Release March 28, 2001 - Federal Investigation of Tosco Refinery Fire Finds Flawed Management Supervision |
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Slide Presentation from Board Public Hearing, Martinez, CA, September 15, 1999 |
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Federal Register Notice for Board Public Hearing, Martinez, CA, September 15, 1999 |
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Transcript of Board Public Hearing, Martinez, CA, September 15, 1999 |
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