An explosion at the AB Specialty Silicones plant in Waukegan that killed four workers three years ago was potentially preventable, according to a video released by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
AB makes a variety of products from chemicals, ranging from personal care items to materials used in construction. An unintentional mixing of two “incompatible chemicals” was responsible for the explosion, according to the CSB video.
U.S. Rep Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, said in an email he intends to make sure both the EPA and OSHA enhance their regulations to assure companies like AB Silicones are required to have safety precautions in place to prevent explosions due to incompatible chemicals. “Shortly after the chemicals were mixed, the contents of the tank started to foam and overflow onto the floor,” the video narrator said. “The workers did not realize the materials released were hazardous and there were no hazardous gas detectors to warn them to the dangers.”
AB Specialty Silicones said in a statement issued after the video was released the company cooperated with the CSB investigation and has implemented all if the agency’s recommendations. The company reiterated there was a regulatory gap at the time. Other safety precautions were in place then.