Unit VI Case Study

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Columbia Southern University *

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3312

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Chemistry

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Running head: UNIT VI CASE STUDY Unit VI Case Study Chad A. Comeaux Columbia Southern University 1
UNIT VI CASE STUDY The DuPont chemical facility, located in LaPorte Texas, manufactures various agricultural chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and some organic and inorganic chemicals. On November 15 th , 2014, the plant experienced an uncontrolled release of approximately 24,000 pounds of methyl mercaptan, which is a highly toxic chemical used in the production of insecticides at the facility. This event resulted in the death of 4 employees at the facility. It was determined by the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) that “the cause of the highly toxic methyl mercaptan release was the flawed engineering design and the lack of adequate safeguards” (CSB, 2014). The report also referenced numerous safety management system deficiencies which contributed to the severity of the event, such as: Formal process safety culture assessment deficiencies Auditing and corrective actions Troubleshooting operations Management of Change Safe work practices Shift communications Building ventilation design Toxic gas detection Emergency response While DuPont committed to implementing the suggested changes and addressing the issues identified, the corrective actions were never completed. In the spring of 2016, DuPont made the decision to decommission the involved unit, citing changes in market conditions that they 2
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