CSB investigating hot work incident that injured 7 workers in Port Arthur TX

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

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