OvV report - Carbon monoxide emission, Corus Staal BV, Velsen Noord, 15 and 16 March 2006

At Corus Staal B.V. in Velsen-Noord on 15 and 16 March 2006, a valve in the blow-off pipe remained open during preparations for the start-up of the gas recovery plant. As a result, the installation had an opening to the atmosphere at a height of 47 metres. After the plant was put into operation, oxygas was vented to the outside air via this vent line for approximately 32 hours. There was no ignition, so the incident was limited to an emission. Due to the height of the emission point (47 metres) and the fact that the wind was blowing in the direction of the sea, it is unlikely that people were exposed to the cloud.

Significance score:

Clarity:

Shortened investigation report with lessons on - execution of preparations for the commissioning of an installation by personnel who were was insufficiently familiar with the installation and because there was inadequate communication between them regarding the work carried out. with regard to the work carried out. - lack of labelling on the valve - insufficient adherence to checklists.

Target Group(s):

• HSE managers
• Site managers
• Strategic leadership
• Supervisors

Risk Theme:

• Monitoring and Learning - Learning from Incidents