Osha probes Louisiana Shell blast that killed 1 worker

26 February 2002 20:46  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) declined comment Tuesday on its continuing investigation into a 13 February explosion that killed one worker at Shell Chemical's plant in Geismar, Louisiana.

Shell told CNI that its internal investigation will continue, too, and said the company has yet to determine a cause. Shell described the incident as a flash fire that occurred during cleanup of a container in a routine maintenance operation and said it resulted in no emissions release. Shell has issued no written statement about the mishap.

The Louisiana State Police identified the dead employee as Gregory Gibson, 40, a resident of Gonzales, Louisiana and Shell identified him as a four-year employee of the plant.

The police said they could provide no further details on the cause of the blast.

Osha's regional office in Dallas, Texas confirmed that its investigation in under way but told CNI it could provide no further details until the investigation's conclusion.

By: Gary Taylor
+1 713 525 2653

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