Loss Prevention Bulletin Issue 311

We are pleased to announce that the latest issue of the Loss Prevention Bulletin (LPB) has now been published.

Issue 311 brings together a collection of historical case studies, incident investigations and technical insights that continue to shape process safety practice today. This edition focuses on major industrial accidents, warehousing hazards and low-temperature risks, highlighting the importance of learning from past events to prevent future incidents.

The issue opens with a reflection on the Sandoz warehouse fire, 40 years on, exploring how many of the lessons from the incident remain relevant in modern warehousing operations. A companion article examines the failures that contributed to the event through the lens of the hierarchy of risk control, providing practical insights into effective risk management.

Further content explores the hazards associated with chemical warehousing, emphasising the critical importance of material segregation and inventory management in preventing escalation during incidents. This theme continues with an examination of the Bio-Lab Conyers warehouse fire, offering valuable lessons for organisations responsible for storing and handling hazardous materials.

Historical incident learning is extended through an article on the Seveso disaster, one of the defining events in process safety history, and a case study of the Ocean Ranger tragedy, which demonstrates how seemingly minor failures can combine to create catastrophic consequences.

This issue also continues the Monograph Series, with Part 4 focusing on low-temperature hazards. The article examines the risks associated with cryogenic and low-temperature operations, highlighting key considerations for safe design, operation and maintenance.

Together, these articles reinforce the value of learning from major accidents, understanding hazardous scenarios and applying robust process safety principles across a wide range of industries.

We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors for sharing their expertise, experience and commitment to advancing process safety knowledge.

If you would like to learn more about joining the IChemE Safety Centre or subscribing to the Loss Prevention Bulletin, please contact a member of the ISC team at safetycentre@icheme.org.