RIVM Report 2022-0051: Analysis of incidents involving hazardous substances at Brzo companies 2022
[Source: RIVM, https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/analyse-van-incidenten-met-gevaarlijke-stoffen-bij-brzo-bedrijven-2022 ]
Summary
Every year the RIVM analyzes the nature, extent and cause of incidents at companies working with large quantities of hazardous substances in the Netherlands. Twelve incidents were analyzed this time. In nine incidents hazardous substances were released, followed by two explosions. In two incidents, explosions occurred directly during operations. An emergency pressure device prevented the release of hazardous substances in the last incident. As a result, only steam escaped. One person sustained permanent injuries - reduced vision in one eye - from an explosion. Other victims suffered temporary respiratory problems and irritation.
Companies are responsible for ensuring that facilities are in order and that employees can perform production processes and work safely. As in previous analyses, the incidents investigated went wrong in several areas.
For example, in eight incidents, work was performed while it was not yet safe to begin. For example, the plant was then not sufficiently emptied, or could be refilled because valves were leaking. These deviations often went undetected, after which hazardous substances could escape or cause an explosion. Sometimes emergency measures can help prevent the incident. In half of the incidents, emergency measures were not in place or did not work. As an emergency measure, for example, the plant can be shut down to prevent a hazardous substance from escaping.
In all incidents, "plans and procedures" for the work fell short. They were sometimes not there because the risks had not been anticipated in advance. Sometimes the company had not ensured that work instructions were followed. Or they were not written clearly enough to be used in practice.
This report is part of an assignment from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment ( SZW (Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid)) to analyze incidents investigated by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate. RIVM examines the similarities and differences between these incidents. The results can be used for inspection and enforcement strategies. Companies can use the insights to improve their safety policies.
