Multiple Probes of Kleen Energy Blast Begin

Purging natural gas lines incorrectly is a major concern for the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which has a team on site. Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has formed two panels of experts to find the cause and determine whether laws, regulations, or building and fire codes should be strengthened.

While state and federal investigators examine the wreckage left by Sunday morning’s explosion at the Kleen Energy plant in Middletown, Conn., in which five workers died, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Monday announced she is assembling two panel of experts to look at the case. The first will be chaired by Senior U.S. District Judge Alan H. Nevas and will identify the cause(s) and origin of the explosion. The second will determine whether changes are needed in state laws, regulations, or building and fire codes to protect workers and residents living in the areas surrounding construction projects.

"The explosion in Middletown not only shattered the peace of a quiet Sunday morning, it led to the tragic loss of five valuable lives and devastated their families," Rell said. "There are so many unanswered questions. What led to this disaster? What were the contributing factors? Could anything have been done to prevent it? These are the questions that we must answer now, not only for the sake of the victims and their families but to avoid tragedies like this in the future.

"Our response to the Middletown explosion must follow two distinct but critical paths. We must first identify what went wrong and then determine every measure we can take to prevent future catastrophes. The reviews must be thorough, impartial, and swift. And if there are concrete steps we can take in the meantime, we must be equally swift in putting those new measures into place."

The Nevas panel will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Labor, the Connecticut State Police (including the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Office of the State Building Inspector), the Department of Consumer Protection, and the Department of Public Utility Control. The second panel will be chaired by James Thomas, recently retired commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and former Glastonbury police chief; members will come from the Department of Public Utility Control, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Building Inspector, and the Department of Public Works. Engineering and architectural firms, as well as municipal engineering and fire officials, will be asked to participate in the review.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars