The CSB issues safety recommendations to prevent the recurrence or reduce the likelihood or consequences of similar incidents or hazards in the future. Recommendations are issued to a variety of parties, including government entities, safety organizations, trade unions, trade associations, corporations, emergency response organizations, educational institutions, and public interest groups. Recommendations are published in CSB reports and are closed only by vote of the Board. The CSB tracks all recommendations and communicates regularly with recommendations recipients to ensure that the recommended corrective actions are implemented. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions about CSB recommendations.
2013-02-I-TX-3
Revise the Risk Management Program rule to include fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) at an appropriate threshold quantity on the List of Regulated Substances. a. Ensure that the calculation for the offsite consequence analysis considers the unique explosive characteristics of FGAN explosions to determine the endpoint for explosive effects and overpressure levels. Examples of such analyses include that adopted by the 2014 Fire Protection Research Foundation report, “Separation Distances in NFPA Codes and Standards,” Great Britain’s Health and Safety Executive, and other technical guidance. b. Develop Risk Management Program rule guidance document(s) for regulated FGAN facilities. Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Revise the Risk Management Program rule to include fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) at an appropriate threshold quantity on the List of Regulated Substances.
a. Ensure that the calculation for the offsite consequence analysis considers the unique explosive characteristics of FGAN explosions to determine the endpoint for explosive effects and overpressure levels. Examples of such analyses include that adopted by the 2014 Fire Protection Research Foundation report, “Separation Distances in NFPA Codes and Standards,” Great Britain’s Health and Safety Executive, and other technical guidance.
b. Develop Risk Management Program rule guidance document(s) for regulated FGAN facilities.
2013-02-I-TX-6
In a subsequent edition of the International Fire Code, develop a chapter or a separate section under Chapter 50 (“Hazardous Materials”) or Chapter 63 (“Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids”) that includes the following requirements for the storage and handling of ammonium nitrate (AN): a. Require automatic fire detection and suppression systems in existing buildings constructed of combustible materials b. Provide ventilation requirements in accordance with the International Mechanical Code to prevent the accumulation of off-gases produced during AN decomposition c. Provide smoke and heat vents to remove heat from AN during fire situations d. Establish minimum safe separation distances between AN and combustible materials to avoid contamination in the event of fire. e. Prohibit the use of combustible materials of construction. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
In a subsequent edition of the International Fire Code, develop a chapter or a separate section under Chapter 50 (“Hazardous Materials”) or Chapter 63 (“Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids”) that includes the following requirements for the storage and handling of ammonium nitrate (AN):
a. Require automatic fire detection and suppression systems in existing buildings constructed of combustible materials
b. Provide ventilation requirements in accordance with the International Mechanical Code to prevent the accumulation of off-gases produced during AN decomposition
c. Provide smoke and heat vents to remove heat from AN during fire situations
d. Establish minimum safe separation distances between AN and combustible materials to avoid contamination in the event of fire.
e. Prohibit the use of combustible materials of construction.
2013-02-I-TX-5
Implement one of the following two regulatory changes, either option (a) or (b) below, to address FGAN hazards: a. Add FGAN to the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard List of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, Toxics and Reactives in 29 CFR 1910.119, Appendix A, and establish an appropriate threshold quantity. Identify National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 400 as a source of Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) for PSM-covered FGAN equipment and processes. b. Revise the OSHA Explosives and Blasting Agents standard, 29 CFR 1910.109, to ensure that the title, scope, or both make(s) clear that the standard applies to facilities that store bulk quantities of FGAN. Revise 1910.109(i), “Storage of Ammonium Nitrate,” to include requirements similar to those in NFPA 400, Hazardous Materials Code (2016 Edition), Chapter 11. Ensure the following elements are considered: i. For new construction, prohibit combustible materials of construction for FGAN facilities and FGAN bins. For existing facilities, establish a phase-in requirement for the replacement of wooden bins with bins made of noncombustible materials of construction within a reasonable time period (e.g., 3 to 5 years from the date standard revisions are enacted), based on feedback from the fertilizer industry. ii. Require automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire detection systems for indoor FGAN storage areas. iii. Define adequate ventilation for FGAN for indoor storage areas. iv. Require all FGAN storage areas to be isolated from the storage of combustible, flammable, and other contaminating materials. v. Establish separation distances between FGAN storage areas and other hazardous chemicals, processes, and facility boundaries. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Implement one of the following two regulatory changes, either option (a) or (b) below, to address
FGAN hazards: a. Add FGAN to the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard List of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, Toxics and Reactives in 29 CFR 1910.119, Appendix A, and establish an appropriate threshold quantity. Identify National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 400 as a source of Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) for PSM-covered FGAN equipment and processes. b. Revise the OSHA Explosives and Blasting Agents standard, 29 CFR 1910.109, to ensure that the title, scope, or both make(s) clear that the standard applies to facilities that store bulk quantities of FGAN. Revise 1910.109(i), “Storage of Ammonium Nitrate,” to include requirements similar to those in NFPA 400, Hazardous Materials Code (2016
Edition), Chapter 11. Ensure the following elements are considered: i. For new construction, prohibit combustible materials of construction for FGAN facilities and FGAN bins. For existing facilities, establish a phase-in requirement for the replacement of wooden bins with bins made of noncombustible materials of construction within a reasonable time period (e.g., 3 to 5 years from the date standard revisions are enacted), based on feedback from the fertilizer industry.
ii. Require automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire detection systems for indoor FGAN storage areas.
iii. Define adequate ventilation for FGAN for indoor storage areas.
iv. Require all FGAN storage areas to be isolated from the storage of combustible, flammable, and other contaminating materials.
v. Establish separation distances between FGAN storage areas and other hazardous chemicals, processes, and facility boundaries.