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.


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Recommendations

Texas Tech University Chemistry Lab Explosion (4 Recommendations)
American Chemical Society (ACS) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: October 19, 2011

2011-5-CS-TX-2

Develop good practice guidance that identifies and describes methodologies to assess and control hazards that can be used successfully in a research laboratory.


Status: Closed - Exceeds Recommended Action
Closed - Exceeds Recommended Action (C - ERA) - Action on the recommendation meets and surpasses the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: October 19, 2011

2011-5-CS-TX-1

Broadly and explicitly communicate to the target audience of research laboratories the findings and recommendations of the CSB Texas Tech report focusing on the message that while the intent of 29 CFR 1910.1450 (Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard) is to comprehensively address health hazards of chemicals, organizations also need to effectively implement programs and procedures to control physical hazards of chemicals (as defined in 1910.1450(b)). At a minimum:

a.     Develop a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) pertaining to the need to control physical hazards of chemicals; and
b.     Disseminate the SHIB (and any related products) on the OSHA Safety and Health Topics website pertaining to Laboratories (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/laboratories/index.html)

 


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

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Texas Tech University (2 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: October 19, 2011

2011-5-CS-TX-3

 

Revise and expand the university chemical hygiene plan (CHP) to ensure that physical safety hazards are addressed and controlled, and develop a verification program that ensures that the safety provisions of the CHP are communicated, followed, and enforced at all levels within the university.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2011-5-CS-TX-4

Develop and implement an incident and near-miss reporting system that can be used as an educational resource for researchers, a basis for continuous safety system improvement, and a metric for the university to assess its safety progress. Ensure that the reporting system has a single point of authority with the responsibility of ensuring that remedial actions are implemented in a timely manner.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Third Coast Industries Petroleum Products Facility Fire (13 Recommendations)
American Petroleum Institute (API) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2009-03-I-TX-7

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Brazoria County, Texas (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-4

Adopt a fire code, such as the NFPA Uniform Fire Code or the ICC International Fire Code, for application in unincorporated areas.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Independant Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-6

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-10

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

International Code Council (ICC) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-3

Revise the International Fire Code to address the following issues: For facilities that are not staffed around the clock, specify circumstances where automatic fire detection is needed. Narrow exemptions for Class IIIB liquids. Expand fire protection analysis requirements to include all areas of a facility where there may be flammable or combustible fire risks.


Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action/No Response Received
Closed - Unacceptable Action/No Response Received (C - UA/NRR) - Recipient responds by expressing disagreement with the need outlined in the recommendation and the Board concludes that further correspondence on, or discussion of, the matter would not change the recipient?s position.
 

PDF Document Recommendations Status Change Summary

National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-8

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

National Association of Counties (NACo) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-9

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - No Longer Applicable
Closed - No Longer Applicable (C - NLA) - Due to subsequent events, the recommendation action no longer applies (e.g., the facility was destroyed or the company went out of business).
 

National Association of State Fire Marshals (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-12

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-2

Revise NFPA 30, the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, to address the following issues For facilities that are not staffed around the clock, specify circumstances where automatic fire detection is needed. Narrow exemptions for Class IIIB liquids. Expand fire protection analysis requirements to include all areas of a facility where there may be flammable or combustible fire risks.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Alternative Action
Closed - Acceptable Alternative Action (C - AAA)
 

PDF Document Recommendations Status Change Summary

National Volunteer Fire Council (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-11

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Petroleum Packaging Council (PPC) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-13

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Third Coast Industries (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 06, 2003

2002-03-I-TX-1

Audit the Third Coast Terminals facility in Pearland, Texas, in light of the findings of this report. Take action to ensure that the facility's fire suppression and control procedures meet the relevant requirements of NFPA 30 and OSHA 1910.106.


Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action/No Response Received
Closed - Unacceptable Action/No Response Received (C - UA/NRR) - Recipient responds by expressing disagreement with the need outlined in the recommendation and the Board concludes that further correspondence on, or discussion of, the matter would not change the recipient?s position.
 

Tosco Avon Refinery Petroleum Naphtha Fire (7 Recommendations)
American Petroleum Institute (API) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 21, 2001

1999-014-I-CA-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 21, 2001

1999-014-I-CA-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 21, 2001

1999-014-I-CA-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Tosco Corporation (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 21, 2001

1999-014-I-CA-1

Conduct periodic safety audits of your oil refinery facilities in light of the findings of this report. At a minimum, ensure that: Audits assess the following: - Safe conduct of hazardous nonroutine maintenance - Management oversight and accountability for safety - Management of change program - Corrosion control program. Audits are documented in a written report that contains findings and recommendations and is shared with the workforce at the facility. Audit recommendations are tracked and implemented.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Ultramar Diamond Shammock Golden Eagle Refinery (3 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: March 21, 2001

1999-014-I-CA-2

Implement a program to ensure the safe conduct of hazardous nonroutine maintenance. At a minimum, require that: A written hazard evaluation is performed by a multidisciplinary team and, where feasible, conducted during the job planning process prior to the day of job execution. Work authorizations for jobs with higher levels of hazards receive higher levels of management review, approval, and oversight. A written decision-making protocol is used to determine when it is necessary to shut down a process unit to safely conduct repairs. Management and safety personnel are present at the job site at a frequency sufficient to ensure the safe conduct of work. Procedures and permits identify the specific hazards present and specify a course of action to be taken if safety requirements such as controlling ignition sources, draining flammables, and verifying isolation are not met. The program is periodically audited, generates written findings and recommendations, and implements corrective actions.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

1999-014-I-CA-3

Ensure that MOC reviews are conducted for changes in operating conditions, such as altering feedstock composition, increasing process unit throughput, or prolonged diversion of process flow through manual bypass valves.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

1999-014-I-CA-4

Ensure that your corrosion management program effectively controls corrosion rates prior to the loss of containment or plugging of process equipment, which may affect safety.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

TS USA Molten Salt Eruption (7 Recommendations)
HEF Groupe (4 Recommendations)
Open: 100% | Closed: 0%

Final Report Released On: June 03, 2025

2024-01-I-TN-4

Include physical, protective barriers as part of the standard design for liquid nitriding processes. These protective barriers shall be intended to isolate employees from molten salt releases.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2024-01-I-TN-5

Develop a safety management system that incorporates industry guidance and includes, but is not limited to:

a. A hazard analysis program for assessing the nitriding process. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard for Ovens and Furnaces, and ASM International’s Handbook. The program shall apply to new and existing parts, assess parts for accumulation hazards and sealed cavities, and include non-routine tasks such as reprocessing unsatisfactory parts.

b. Written operating procedures for the nitriding process. The procedures shall be based on the information gathered from the hazard analysis program. The procedures shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety and the CCPS’s Guidelines for Writing Effective Operating and Maintenance Procedures.

c. A training program, including written materials, for the employees involved in the nitriding process. This program shall be based on the nitriding facility’s operating procedures and other relevant information from the hazard analysis program. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety.

d. An incident investigation program. This program shall include requirements for performing causal analysis, producing written reports, and communicating findings and corrective actions throughout the entire HEF Groupe organization. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety and the CCPS’s Guidelines for Investigating Process Safety Incidents.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2024-01-I-TN-6

Develop and implement an effective and comprehensive Knowledge Management program for sharing knowledge throughout the HEF Groupe organization. Knowledge shall include all information from audits, hazard analyses, and incident investigations, including causal analyses and corrective actions recommended and taken. This program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Process Safety Knowledge Management.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2024-01-I-TN-7

Develop and implement a comprehensive and effective Corporate Governance program. This program shall include regular audits of subordinate facilities throughout the organization, with tracking and accountability for implementation of all recommendations and corrective actions identified in the audits. Facility adherence to the safety management system recommended above shall be evaluated during the audits. The program shall require documentation of audit findings, prompt responses to deficiencies, development of corrective actions, and implementation of the corrective actions throughout the organization. This program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Implementing Process Safety Management.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Techniques Surfaces USA (TS USA) (3 Recommendations)
Open: 67% | Closed: 33%

Final Report Released On: June 03, 2025

2024-01-I-TN-1

Implement physical, protective barriers around the molten salt baths that isolate employees from hazardous releases at all locations that perform liquid nitriding.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2024-01-I-TN-2

Develop a safety management system that incorporates industry guidance and includes, but is not limited to:

a. A hazard analysis program for assessing the nitriding process. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard for Ovens and Furnaces, and ASM International’s Handbook. The program shall apply to new and existing parts, assess parts for accumulation hazards and sealed cavities, and include non-routine tasks such as reprocessing unsatisfactory parts.

b. Written operating procedures for the nitriding process. The procedures shall be based on the information gathered from the hazard analysis program. The procedures shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety and the CCPS’s Guidelines for Writing Effective Operating and Maintenance Procedures.

c. A training program, including written materials, for the employees involved in the nitriding process. This program shall be based on the nitriding facility’s operating procedures and other relevant information from the hazard analysis program. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety.

d. An incident investigation program. This program shall include requirements for performing causal analysis, producing written reports, and communicating findings and corrective actions throughout the entire TS USA organization. The program shall incorporate industry guidance, such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Risk-Based Process Safety and the CCPS’s Guidelines for Investigating Process Safety Incidents.


Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response (O - ARAR) - Response from recipient indicates a planned action that would satisfy the objective of the recommendation when implemented.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

2024-01-I-TN-3

For each TS USA facility, establish a position with specific professional expertise and experience in safety management systems, such as risk-based process safety. This position shall be responsible for TS USA’s safety management system, ensuring that HEF Groupe’s safety information is incorporated at the site level, and implementing regulatory and industry safety guidance.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

PDF Document Recommendation Status Change Summary

Union Carbide Corp. Nitrogen Asphyxiation Incident (6 Recommendations)
Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: February 23, 1999

2009-05-I-LA-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Compressed Gas Association (CGA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: February 23, 1999

1998-05-I-LA-6

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: February 23, 1999

1998-05-I-LA-3

Conduct a study concerning the appropriateness and feasibility of odorizing nitrogen in order to warn personnel of the presence of nitrogen when it is used in confined spaces.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (1 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: February 23, 1999

1998-05-I-LA-4

Issue a safety alert that addresses the hazards and provides safety guidelines for the use of temporary enclosures that are erected around equipment containing hazardous substances.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Union Carbide Taft Plant (2 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: February 23, 1999

1998-05-I-LA-1

Post signs containing the warning "Danger, Confined Space: Do Not Enter Without Authorization" or similar wording at potential entryways when tanks, vessels, pipes, or other similar chemical industry equipment are opened. When nitrogen is added to a confined space, post an additional sign that warns personnel of the potential nitrogen hazard.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

1998-05-I-LA-2

Ensure that the plant safety program addresses the control of hazards created by erecting temporary enclosures around equipment that may trap a dangerous atmosphere in the enclosure if the equipment leaks or vents hazardous material.


Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
Closed - Acceptable Action (C - AA) - The recipient has completed action on the recommendation. The action taken meets the objectives envisioned by the Board.
 

Universal Form Clamp Co. Explosion and Fire (2 Recommendations)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2 Recommendations)
Open: 0% | Closed: 100%

Final Report Released On: April 10, 2007

2006-8-I-IL-1

Amend 1910.106 Flammable and Combustible Liquids to require facilities that handle flammable and combustible liquids to implement the requirements of 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans.


Status: Closed - Reconsidered/Superseded
Closed - Reconsidered/Superseded (C - R/S) - Recipient rejects the recommendation and also supports the rejection with a rationale with which the Board concurs. This designation may apply when later facts indicate that the concerns expressed in the recommendation were actually addressed prior to the incident, or when a recommendation is superseded by a new, more appropriate recommendation.
 

PDF Document Recommendations Status Change Summary

2006-8-I-IL-2

Amend 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans to require employers to conduct practice evacuation drills at least annually, but more frequently if necessary to ensure employees are prepared for emergencies.


Status: Closed - Reconsidered/Superseded
Closed - Reconsidered/Superseded (C - R/S) - Recipient rejects the recommendation and also supports the rejection with a rationale with which the Board concurs. This designation may apply when later facts indicate that the concerns expressed in the recommendation were actually addressed prior to the incident, or when a recommendation is superseded by a new, more appropriate recommendation.
 

PDF Document Recommendations Status Change Summary