LESSONS LEARNED

Several lessons can be learned from the August 28, 2008 methomyl pesticide explosion at the Bayer CropScience plant in Institute, West Virginia. Operators there refused to tell emergency responders the nature of the blast or the chemical that had been released.

Two employees were killed, and six volunteer firefighters were injured. Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) operators should be aware that falsely labeling information as ‘sensitive’ and failing to provide first responders with accurate information can be deadly to employees, first responders and residents living nearby. The Chemical Safety Board is continuing its investigation of this disaster.