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First Chemical Corp. Reactive Chemical Explosion

Pascagoula, MS, Issued on October 15, 2003

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Summary
The CSB investigated a reactive chemical explosion at the First Chemical Corp. facility in Pascagoula, MS. The investigation found that the First Chemical facility did not have an adequate management system for evaluating the hazards of processing MNT, an explosive material. Furthermore, the facility did not have an adequate system for ensuring sufficient layers of protection, consistent work practices when isolating equipment, and the integrity of isolation valves. The investigation also found that the control room construction and its proximity to the process was not evaluated, and that the community emergency notification system was inadequate. The CSB issued safety recommendations based on these root and contributing causes.

Recommendations Listed by Recipient

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E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

DuPont-First Chemical Pascagoula Facility

Jackson County Board of Supervisors, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency, Jackson County Local Emergency Planning Committee

American Chemistry Council (ACC)

Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) 2003-01-I-MS-R13
Amend the Technical Specifications in the Responsible Care Management System to explicitly require facilities to identify findings and lessons learned from process hazard analyses and incident investigations in one unit and apply them to other equipment that processes similar material.

Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response Either a recommendation has been issued and no substantive response was received from the recipient; or a response has been received from the recipient but the evaluation by CSB staff is pending or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status. 2003-01-I-MS-R14
Ensure that SOCMA members understand the audit requirements of Responsible Care and accurately identify and address gaps in facility process safety programs.

Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response Either a recommendation has been issued and no substantive response was received from the recipient; or a response has been received from the recipient but the evaluation by CSB staff is pending or the Board has not yet acted on staff recommendation of status. 2003-01-I-MS-R15
Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.

Status: Closed - Acceptable Action The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.