Search

Omaha Chemical Plant Fire Under Investigation

Posted on 6/6/2022 by Lauren Scott

An explosive fire at a chemical facility in downtown Omaha, NE sparked evacuations and community concerns last week. What began as a fire reported at about 7 p.m. on May 30 resulted in a series of explosions, which shot columns of black smoke into the air.

About 50 firefighters rushed to the scene and urged residents near the burning chemical facility to temporarily evacuate as almost 2,400 homes lost power. The fire was successfully contained the following morning, May 31, and then extinguished later that same day.

Although the plant makes chemical sealants and cleaners for concrete issues, no one was at the facility when the fire began, and no injuries were reported. The company last reported to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy that 89 different chemicals are kept on-site, most of which are flammable.

Chemical reporting played a crucial role in quickly extinguishing this fire. Because firefighters were aware of the chemicals on site, foam and water was used to suppress the fire. Had emergency personnel used carbon dioxide as a fire suppressant, it may have worsened the fire.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), found at 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to keep a Safety Data Sheet on file for any hazardous chemical to which their employees are, or may be, exposed in the workplace. EPA refers to this Standard in its inventory reporting rules under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). EPA states that if a facility has more than a certain amount of any chemical for which OSHA requires a Safety Data Sheet, then the facility must report this to its community.

Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze. City officials said it would continue to monitor air and water quality and are asking residents to consult a doctor if they are experiencing any dizziness, headaches, or respiratory symptoms.

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. 

The Complete Environmental Regulations online course will prepare you to identify your site's responsibilities under major environmental laws and regulations. This course is ideal for new EHS managers, environmental consultants, and anyone who wants clarity about how complex environmental requirements fit together. 

Or check out these courses on specific EPA programs:
 
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Air Act Regulations Online

Tags: chemical reporting, EPA, EPCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.