News Releases

CSB to Hold Hearing in Washington DC to Hear Expert Testimony on Regulation of Offshore Oil and Gas Safety Practices

Nov 29, 2010

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today announced that it will be holding a daylong public hearing entitled “Regulatory Approaches to Offshore Oil and Gas Safety” on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 in Washington DC. The meeting is part of the CSB’s ongoing investigation into the April 20, 2010, fire and explosion on the Deepwater Horizon that killed 11 workers. The hearing will bring together international regulators, union representatives and industry groups to discuss approaches to regulating the safety of offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso Applauds NFPA on Establishing a New Technical Committee to Develop a Comprehensive Standard for Gas Processing Safety

Nov 23, 2010

Dr. Rafael Moure-Eraso, Chairperson of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today applauded the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for its recent decision to establish a new technical committee to develop a comprehensive standard for gas processing safety, including the cleaning of fuel gas piping systems. The NFPA acted in response to an urgent recommendation issued by the CSB following a catastrophic natural gas explosion at Kleen Energy, a power plant under construction in Middletown, Connecticut on February 7, 2010. In that incident, workers were conducting a "gas blow," a procedure that forced natural gas at high volume and pressure through newly-installed piping to remove debris. The gas was vented to the atmosphere, where it accumulated and exploded, killing six contract workers and injuring many others.

CSB Receives Gold and Silver TIVA Peer Awards for Agency Safety Videos; Imperial Sugar Animation and Combustible Dust Video are Winners

Nov 22, 2010

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) received awards for two safety videos at the annual Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC (TIVA DC) dinner on Saturday, November 13. An animation depicting a massive sugar refinery explosion, which took 14 lives, won a gold award for best animation in its category. The animation appeared in a CSB safety video entitled Inferno: Dust Explosion at Imperial Sugar. Another CSB safety video, Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard was presented with the silver award for best educational/training video.

CSB Chairperson Meets with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr. to Discuss Open Recommendations to the State of Colorado

Nov 08, 2010

U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso, Ph.D. today met with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. to discuss CSB safety recommendations regarding power plants in the state.

On One-Year Anniversary of Fatal Oil Site Accident in Forrest County, Mississippi, CSB Launches Educational Outreach Initiative

Oct 28, 2010

Washington, DC, October 28, 2010 - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today announced that educational materials concerning oil site hazards that threaten the lives of teenagers have been distributed to more than 150 Mississippi school superintendents. The CSB is calling on schools across the state to incorporate the video and lessons into school curricula.

Statement of CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso Applauding the International Code Council for Emergency Amendment to Prohibit Indoor Purging

Oct 27, 2010

Statement of CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso Applauding the International Code Council for Emergency Amendment to Prohibit Indoor Purging

CSB Commends State of West Virginia's Action on CSB Recommendation to Train and License Propane Technicians; Action Follows Tragic Explosion at Convenience Store

Oct 23, 2010

Washington DC, October 20, 2010 – CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso today commended the governor and legislature of West Virginia for their positive response to a CSB recommendation that propane technicians in the state be trained, certified, and licensed.

CSB Safety Message Commends Connecticut for Prohibiting Natural Gas Blows, Calls on States to take Similar Action

Oct 19, 2010

U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso calls for a ban on the cleaning out of debris from gas piping using pressurized natural gas, a practice that is referred to in the industry as a gas blow.

CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso Commends Connecticut Governor for Prohibiting Dangerous Practice of Natural Gas Blows at Power Plants

Sep 21, 2010

Washington, DC, September 21, 2010 – The CSB issues the following statement from Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso responding to an executive order issued today by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell prohibiting natural gas blow procedures at power plants as a means of cleaning out piping in preparation for start up of the facilities.

CSB Board Member Mark Griffon Calls on American Society of Mechanical Engineers to Adopt CSB Recommendation Prohibiting Natural Gas Blows at Power Plants

Sep 21, 2010

U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Member Mark Griffon today called on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to adopt a CSB recommendation calling for natural gas blows to be prohibited during power plant construction.

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