Learning From the Experience

Abstract

Abstract The evolution of the term “process safety management” is closely associated with the major accidents that occurred in the chemical processing industry during the 20th century. The study of case histories of these accidents, and others, provides valuable information and learning opportunities. This chapter presents some examples and cases to illustrate the discussion about process safety management, human factors in process safety, and risk-based process safety. The experiences from two major corporations are used: three incidents involve ExxonMobil, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the explosion and fire at the Esso Longford Gas Plant, Blackbeard well and two incidents are from BP, Texas City refinery explosion and fire, and Macondo blowout and spill. These incidents will be reviewed by providing context, a synopsis of the event, highlight some of the key findings of the investigations, and look at the lessons learned.