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On December 19, 2007, T2 Laboratories suffered a massive explosion, killing four people and injuring 32. Debris was found up to one mile away. The facility was destroyed. There were severe environmental consequences, as toxic chemicals were released into the air and nearby waterways.

The root cause of the explosion, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's investigation, was the company's failure to identify the runaway reaction hazards associated with its chemical product, a gasoline additive. When T2 Laboratories developed the MCMT chemistry, it was based primarily on patents granted in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The CSB found no published information about the reactivity hazards of MCMT.

“A lack of available process hazard information makes laboratory testing especially important,” (CSB Investigation Report T2 Laboratories, Inc. Runaway Reaction, p. 26).

Chemical reactivity hazards have been the cause of many deadly accidents in the chemical industry. In this newsletter, explore how experimental hazard evaluation of chemicals can help uncover unknown hazards, which is essential for preventing unexpected responses and mitigating risks. Specialty chemical companies, contract developers, manufacturing organizations, and toll manufacturers will find this particularly helpful. Topics covered include:

• T2 Laboratories Explosion
• The Incident Investigation
• Hazard Analysis

Bonus!
This newsletter also includes access to a 40-minute presentation on Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards in Multipurpose Equipment. Watch on PStv^® as Georges Melhem, Ph.D., FAIChE, reveals what makes a facility vulnerable to chemical reactivity and solutions for mitigating the risks.

Have a great and safe day.

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