Free Webinar, October 19, Texas Tech Laboratory Accident

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 and mitigation in academic research laboratories, and the limitations of using OSHA’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.
When:  Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 12:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time; 11:30 am Central Daylight Time; 10:30 am - Mountain Daylight Time; 9:30 am Pacific Daylight Time
Where:  To register for the online event send an email to webinar@csb.gov – a link and directions to access the webinar software will be sent to all participants, there is no fee associated with attending the event – please register by Tuesday at 2 pm EDT.
Additional background on the CSB’s investigation:
The CSB has gathered preliminary data on over 120 laboratory incidents in recent history. The 2008 laboratory fire that resulted in the death of a staff research associate 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:
http://www.csb.gov/investigations/detail.aspx?SID=90&Type=1&pg=1&F_All=y