Press Release
☷CSB Releases New Safety Video Incompatible Chemicals Explosion at AB Specialty Silicones
U.S. Chemical Safety Board ( By Press Release office)
Apr 28,2022
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Washington D . C . , April 28 , 2022 - Today , the U . S . Chemical Safety Board ( CSB ) released a new safety video on its investigation into a massive explosion and fire that occurred in May of 2019 at the AB Specialty Silicones facility in Waukegan , IL . The incident killed four workers , destroyed the facility , and caused extensive damage to nearby businesses . The CSB ' s new safety video includes an animation of the events leading up to the incident , and interviews with both the CSB’s Chairperson and Lead Investigator . At AB Specialty Silicones , two incompatible chemicals were mixed during production of an emulsion product . The chemicals reacted and produced flammable hydrogen gas that ignited , causing the fatal explosion . The incident is one of many investigated by the CSB during the agency’s history that resulted from inadequate recognition and evaluation of reactive chemical hazards . In its report , the agency made recommendations to AB Specialty Silicones and reiterated recommendations to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) , and the Environmental Protection Agency with the goal of addressing the regulatory gap covering reactive chemicals . Chairperson Lemos concludes the video by saying , “It is past time for regulators to fully recognize the hazards presented by reactive chemicals . We call on OSHA and EPA to update their regulatory standards to include better coverage of reactive chemicals . Closing the regulatory gap will prevent further tragic incidents and save lives . Together , we can impact safety for our chemical industries , our workers , our communit , and our environment . ”Access the CSB ' s Investigation Information Page HERE . The CSB’s core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings , conclusions , and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards . The agency ' s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate . The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies , industry organizations , labor groups , and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA . Please visit our website , www . csb . gov . For more information , contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at Hillary . Cohen@csb . gov . Back to news
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