The US Chemical Safety Board has been investigating an explosion that occurred on April 14,2010 which resulted in a death of a 21-year old man.  CSB investigators determined that a lit cigarette or lighter was the likely ignition source for the explosion. This happened when the man was peering down a tank full of crude oil.   The resulting explosion and fire engulfed the victim and caused a second explosion in an interconnected tank. The victim suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body.  Another individual suffered second-degree burns. The investigation details are quite shocking.

“The catwalk leading to the top of the tank was unsecured and readily accessible,” said CSB Investigator Vidisha Parasram. “The tank hatches had no mechanism which would permit them to be secured or locked. No fire or explosion warning signs or other warning signage was visible anywhere on the site following the accident.” Ms. Parasram said the CSB would continue to study whether any signage could have been destroyed in the fire, but that even the undamaged portions of the facility and the entrance gates had no posted warnings. Eyewitnesses said they saw no signs on the night of the accident or during previous visits to the site.”

Further investigation show that explosive warning signs could have prevented this tragedy. The man was just interested to see what was inside the tank according to witnesses. If there had been correct signage it might have been a different ending.

Source : http://www.csb.gov/newsroom/detail.aspx?nid=315

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