Please take note of this Chemical Safety Board webinar to discuss the Texas Tech Laboratory Accident next Wednesday. Registration information is included below.
Regards,
Erik
From: Cohen, Hillary [mailto:Hillary.Cohen**At_Symbol_Here**csb.gov]
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 4:45 PM
To: McCormick, Amy
Subject: CSB to Hold Webinar on Wednesday October 19 toRelease Texas Tech Laboratory Accident Case Study
CSB to Hold Webinar on Wednesday October 19 to Release Texas Tech Laboratory Accident Case Study
Who: U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) - an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical accidents will release its final investigation into the January 7, 2010, Texas Tech laboratory accident that severely injured a graduate student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The accident occurred in the chemistry department during the handling of a high-energy metal compound, which suddenly detonated.
CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso
CSB Team Lead Cheryl MacKenzie
CSB Investigator Mary Beth Mulcahy
What: The Webinar will include a detailed presentation of the case study, including its key findings and formal safety recommendations. The CSB’s case study examines insufficient safety management accountability and oversight and a failure to document, track, and communicate the lessons from previous incidents. The CSB identifies the need for good practice guidance on hazard assessments andmitigation in academic research laboratories, and the limitations of usingOSHA’s Laboratory Standard as guidance to mitigate physical hazards of chemicals in laboratories. The role of the grant funding body in influencing safety will also be highlighted.
Additional background on the CSB’s investigation:
The CSB hasgathered preliminary data on over 120 laboratory incidents in recent history. The 2008 laboratory fire that resulted in the death of a staff researchassociate at UCLA highlighted the potential dangers that many chemical laboratory researchers face. This event garnered the attention of our Board. When, in 2010, the Texas Tech University laboratory explosion occurred, an investigation team was directed by the Board to deploy and investigate its causes.
Information related to the CSB’s ongoing investigative activities is available at:
The CSB isan independent federal agency charged with investigating serious 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 safety management systems. The Board doesnot issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such asOSHA and EPA. Please visit our website, www.CSB.gov.
Contact: For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at 202.446.8094 or via email at Hillary.Cohen**At_Symbol_Here**csb.gov.
____________________________
Erik A. Talley, Director
Environmental Health and Safety
Weill Cornell Medical College
Cornell University
402 East 67th Street, Room LA-0020
New York, NY 10065
ert2002**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu
http://weill.cornell.edu/ehs
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