CSB Posts Video Detailing the 2005 BP Refinery Explosion

An updated animation detailing the tragic events which occurred 15 years ago at the BP America Refinery in Texas City, Texas, when a massive hydrocarbon release and ensuing explosion and fire killed 15 and injured 180 others, has been posted to YouTube by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

     ● Updated video account of 2005 BP refinery explosion released by Chemical Safety Board

     ● Former IFW Publisher David White comments on the 2005 BP refinery explosion

The massive explosion was a landmark investigation for the CSB and revealed safety gaps at refineries across the country, Interim Executive Dr. Kristen Kulinowski said.

“The lessons learned from the BP Texas City event reverberate 15 years later,” Kulinowski said. “The CSB’s newest animation updates and refreshes the CSB’s most viewed accident animation. We hope that this new version allows more viewers to learn from the findings and recommendations issued by the board that remain relevant years later.”

The BP America refinery explosion and fire ranks as the most serious refinery accident ever investigated by the CSB. The CSB’s final report on the incident, released in 2007, found organizational and safety deficiencies at all levels of the BP Corporation.

The CSB’s investigation revealed a lack of corporate management understanding and commitment to safety. As a result of the investigation, a new standard of care exists for corporate boards of directors and CEO's throughout the world, calling for the same level of scrutiny for process safety management as financial management.

“Boards of directors of oil and chemical companies should examine every detail of their process safety programs to prevent future death and destruction,” a CSB press release about the video states.

The CSB continues to provide reports, safety videos and educational tools for industry to use in driving process safety incidents to zero.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to facilities, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.