Crude benzene was pumped from a cargo-ship to a storage tank. Due to failure of the piping 450 m3 of
crude benzene was released into the tank pit. Crude benzene was pumped from a cargo-ship to a storage tank.
After inspection of the pipework, a small piece of piping was not replaced. The harbour was closed as a precautionary measure. Employees from a neighbouring company had to stay within doors.

The company fire brigade applied a foam blanket on the benzene to prevent vaporising. The blanket was in place two hours after the incident.

Official action taken – legal action:
Official report was made. Improvement notice on SMS.

Emergency measures taken Onsite: internal systems: inerting systems (foam, inert gas, etc.)
No immediate effect on people. The fire brigade covered the benzene with a foam layer.

Material Loss:
Several million euros

Community Disruption:
Nearby companies were informed. A cluster of incidents in the period November 2002-May 2003 caught the attention of national media and parliament. This incident was part of the cluster.

Affected Area: installation
Affected Area: establishment
Affected Area: off-site: local
450 m3 crude benzene (CAS No 71-43-2)

Maximum allowed quantity is 100,000 tonnes benzene (CAS number 71-43-2).

332 ton bezene was released into the tank pit. Temperature below flash point.