This article was created for and originally published for the May/June 2023 issue of BIC Magazine. It is republished here in its entirety.

Building blast-resistant structures is an incredibly complex and challenging process. From designing and engineering the structure to sourcing materials and getting regulatory approvals, many steps require precision and attention to detail. That’s why it’s essential to get it right the first time. Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or end-user, any mistakes made during the process can have serious consequences, including project delays, safety risks, and increased costs.

A tragedy occurred in the early spring of 2005 at a refinery in Texas City, Texas. Today marks the 17th year since a series of explosions killed 15 workers and injured nearly 200 more.

*This article was prepared for publication in the March/April 2023 issue of BIC Magazine. 

In certain industries, the use and handling of hazardous materials is commonplace, even if few people want to think about hazardous chemicals and their use in manufacturing everyday products. Those in manufacturing or refining understand the importance of these materials and the role they play in helping make our lives, in many ways, and in many industries, easier.

Safety of the Employees and Equipment Workers in the petrochemical industry are subject to numerous risks, including chemical leaks, fires, and explosions. These are in addition to the risks common throughout the manufacturing industry, such as machinery malfunctions and falls.