Explosions and fires at oil refineries are extremely dangerous and can kill or injure many workers at once. In addition to smoke inhalation and severe burns, workers caught in an explosion may suffer concussions, broken bones, or other injuries from the combustion or while attempting to flee. They may also experience hearing loss, falls, or injuries caused by flying debris or shrapnel.
What causes explosions at oil refineries? Are they simply part of the risks that come with industrial work, or do they usually happen because someone made a mistake?
Below, we look at some of the most common causes of refinery explosions. If you’ve been injured or lost someone you love in a refinery accident anywhere in Texas, reach out to an experienced Houston refinery explosion lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation and medical care you deserve.
Common Refinery Explosion Caused by Negligence
In an oil refinery, the conditions are ripe for explosions and fires. Refineries naturally involve gases, heat, and chemical reactions, all normal parts of the refining process. But that doesn’t mean explosions are unavoidable. In most cases, these accidents happen because someone failed to follow proper safety procedures. With the right precautions and attention to detail, refinery explosions can almost always be prevented.
Listed below are some of the most common causes of negligence-based refinery explosions in Houston.
Chemicals Not Properly Stored
Refineries use lots of different chemicals, including those that are used to start reactions, speed them up, or produce final products. While these substances are usually stable, they can become dangerous quickly if they are negligently stored. Issues can easily arise when chemicals are kept in incorrect containers, exposed to unsuitable humidity or temperatures, or situated close enough to other hazardous substances to trigger a reaction.
Hot Work
Any job in a refinery that creates sparks can start a fire or explosion. While hot work, like cutting or welding, is often necessary, stringent safety criteria are put in place in border to prevent these tasks from igniting nearby flammable materials and gases.
Using Dirty or Impure Chemicals
When properly done, oil refinement is a precise, controlled chemical process. This means that, in order for the right reactions to occur, pure chemicals must be used. If substandard or “dirty” chemicals are used during the refining process, the chemicals will not react properly and could instead cause an explosion or fire.
Equipment Is Not Properly Maintained
All aspects of the refining process, mixing, pressure, and temperature, must be controlled and precise, and the precision equipment involved in the refining process must always be in good working order. Workers, owners, and plant managers can be found negligent if they fail to calibrate, inspect, fix, and maintain the equipment as needed. Corroded valves and other vital pieces of equipment are common negligence-based causes of refinery explosions.
Failing to Adhere to Safety Protocols
Refinery fires and explosions occur almost exclusively due to negligence, including unsafe hot work, skipped safety steps, or simple human error. When workers or supervisors fail to follow safety rules, the company can be held responsible for the consequences. If you were injured in a refinery explosion, you may have the right to file a claim against the refinery for the damages you’ve suffered.
Lack of Supervision and Training
Refineries can be held liable for negligence in multiple ways, like negligent supervision and negligent training. Chemical plants have a responsibility to screen their applicants thoroughly and only hire qualified workers who can safely perform their duties. They are also required to provide appropriate training and closely monitor their workers to make sure all work is done safely and according to regulations.
OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration publishes the safety standards and rules for all occupations and industries, including activities in chemical plants and refineries. These safety standards cover all parts of refinery operations, including maintaining tools and equipment, providing personal protective gear, and ensuring workers receive proper job and safety training. OSHA also requires clear product labeling, proper control of electrical hazards (lockout/tagout), and safe facility features such as ventilation, emergency exits, and fire suppression systems.
If a company commits negligence by violating OSHA rules, it can face large fines, and those violations may also serve as proof that the plant owner was negligent and responsible for any injuries caused by a fire or explosion.
Talk to a Houston Refinery Explosion Lawyer
If companies followed proper safety rules and trained their workers correctly, most refinery explosions would be prevented. When they don’t, the results can be tragic for employees and their families. If you were injured in a refinery explosion, you have the right to seek justice and fair compensation.
At Parks Law, we can help you understand what went wrong and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our team will advise you through the process and fight to get you the compensation you need. Call us today at (713) 979-3500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation about your case.