Alarm system, maintenance blamed for DuPont leaks

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A federal probe is blaming an ineffective alarm system, maintenance deficiencies and an inadequate emergency response process for three leaks last year at a DuPont chemical plant in West Virginia, one of which resulted in the death of a worker.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the findings in a draft report released today in Charleston.

The board’s primary jurisdiction is to investigate serious chemical accidents and make recommendations involving hazardous releases to the air by fixed industrial facilities.

The leaks occurred over a 30-hour period in January 2010. Fifty-eight-year-old Carl Fish was exposed to phosgene and died. He was taking readings when a line failed.

Other leaks at the Belle plant involved the release of 2,000 pounds of methyl chloride and 22 pounds of a sulfuric acid solution.