CSB commends AFPM for voluntary refinery safety outreach

This week, the CSB issued a “Safety Spotlight” recognizing the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) for the organization’s leadership in chemical safety.

AFPM voluntarily implemented a key CSB safety recommendation stemming from the agency’s investigation into the 2018 explosion and fire at the Husky Energy refinery in Superior, Wisconsin that was directed to another organization.

“AFPM voluntarily stepped up and delivered real tools to help prevent future FCC-related incidents,” said CSB Steve Owens chairperson. “This is a clear example of industry safety leadership in action.”

Workshops, webpage deliver resources to refineries

The incident at the Husky refinery injured 36 workers and caused over $550 million in damage. It occurred during a shutdown of the refinery’s fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, when a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons and air ignited due to failed safeguards.

One of the CSB’s recommendations from the investigation called on the American Petroleum Institute (API) to develop safety guidance for FCC’s. While not the intended recipient, AFPM took independent action, launching a comprehensive FCC safety initiative that included:

• 18 in-person safety workshops reaching over 700 participants from 76 refineries in the U.S. and Canada.
• A publicly available FCC Process Safety webpage with resources such as checklists, bulletins, and guidance incorporating lessons from both the Husky and ExxonMobil Torrance refinery incidents.

These CSB determined that these actions by AFPM fulfilled the CSB’s recommendation, even though AFPM completed them instead of API.

CSB commends voluntary recommendation implementations

AFPM joins several other organizations recognized by the CSB for voluntarily implementing CSB recommendations, including

• The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)
• The Center for Offshore Safety (COS)

“The CSB’s Safety Spotlights highlight important contributions that drive chemical safety excellence,” said Chuck Barbee, CSB director of recommendations. “Progress often comes from leadership that goes above and beyond compliance.”