Accident Investigation VII
Running head: PROPANE SAFETY
Propane Safety
Assessing Propane Safety
Gregory Key
Columbia Southern University
February 21, 2017
Causal factors chart
Potential causative factors
One potential causative factor outlined in the analysis is the ignorance of the store’s employees regarding the danger of a propane gas leak. In the case analysis, the store’s employees refused to evacuate the store and instead remained in the building, even when warned of the presence of a propane cloud.
A possible reason for the ignorance of the store’s employees and the emergency respondents as to the danger of a propane cloud is OSHA’s lackluster regulation regarding propane at the time. OSHA can ensure that all employees in an organization that employs the use of a propane tank to receive education on the proper standard operating procedure in the event of propane gas leak (Khan & Abbasi, 1999).
Another potential causative factor is operation of electric equipment and open flames in the general store. In the event of a propane leak, one should turn off all electronic equipment and open flames before quickly evacuating the premises. The emergency respondents and the employees of the store failed to appreciate the necessity of ensuring that they lower the risk of igniting the propane cloud, as a result, the propane gas inevitably reached an open flame and exploded.
The additional factors complement the causative factors found in CSB’s investigation report. The investigators thoroughly covered all angles and outlined the relevant causative factors. Based on the thoroughness of the report and the fact that the CSB report outlines all causative factors, I do not think there is need for more analysis.
Khan, & Abbasi. (1999). Major accidents in process industries and an analysis of causes and consequences. Journal of Loss Prevention in the process Industries, 12(5), 361-378.
