6-3. Lessons Learned from a Chemical Leak Accident and How to Prevent Recurrence

Chemical spill accidents pose a serious risk to the safety of workers, the health of local residents, and the credibility and business continuity of a company. Reviewing past incidents and organizing lessons learned for preventing recurrence is extremely important in EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management.

1. Typical Cases of Chemical Spill Accidents

A common example is the leakage of hazardous substances from storage tanks. Cases have been reported where soil and groundwater were contaminated due to equipment failure caused by corrosion or deterioration. There have also been incidents where volatile organic compounds were released into the atmosphere due to improper pipe connections or valve operation errors, causing health problems for nearby residents. Furthermore, accidents have occurred where workers were exposed to high concentrations of chemicals due to a failure to follow work procedures or a lack of training.

2. Underlying Factors Leading to Accidents

Most accidents occur due to a combination of multiple factors, such as inadequate management of aging facilities, insufficient inspections, a lack of worker training, and unprepared emergency response plans. In particular, many serious accidents have resulted from neglecting "near-miss" incidents and leaving potential risks unaddressed.

3. Strengthening Management Systems for Recurrence Prevention

To prevent recurrence, it is essential to first ensure thorough chemical management. This requires both hardware and software measures, such as properly preparing and disseminating SDS (Safety Data Sheets), conducting risk assessments for each chemical, and implementing double containment for storage and transport facilities. In addition to regular equipment inspections, using IoT sensors for leak monitoring and introducing automatic shut-off systems are also effective.

4. Addressing Human Factors

Thorough worker training is also crucial. Regularly scheduled drills to teach correct handling procedures and initial emergency responses are key to preventing accidents. It is especially vital to provide the same level of training to all employees, including shift workers and temporary staff.

5. Lessons Learned and Future Initiatives

The biggest lesson from past spill accidents is to "not overlook small signs." It is a company's responsibility to foster a culture where signs like unusual odors or minor drips are thoroughly investigated and dealt with proactively. Furthermore, regularly conducting emergency response drills and strengthening communication with local residents are also important for maintaining social trust.

In summary, preventing chemical spill accidents requires proper equipment management, personnel training, the use of modern technology, and a change in organizational culture. Companies must learn from past incidents and continuously strengthen their recurrence prevention measures to ensure safe and sustainable business operations while protecting the environment.