CSB Deploying to Site of Hot Work Incident Injuring Seven Workers in Port Arthur, Texas

An investigative team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) is deploying to the scene of an incident that injured seven workers – including three critically – that occurred Friday August 12 at the Sunoco Logistics Partners, a terminal facility in Port Arthur, Texas. 

According to initial inquiries the incident involved a flash fire during welding – also referred to as hot work - activities at the facility.  Hot work is defined as burning, welding, or similar spark-producing operations that can ignite fires or explosions.  Media reports state that all of the injured were contractors engaged in work activities on a crude oil pipeline connection.

“The CSB has investigated too many incidents involving hot work – my thoughts go out to the workers and their families affected by this tragedy” said Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland.  “In an effort to warn of the dangers of hot work, the CSB has issued a wide range of material regarding the dangers of hot work including safety videos, a safety bulletin, and accident investigations."

The investigative team will be led by Investigator-in-Charge Mark Wingard and will be accompanied by Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland.

About the U.S. Chemical Safety Board

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency’s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.

For more information, contact Hillary Cohen (traveling with the team) at 202.446.8094 or via email at public@csb.gov.