Rothstein Associates Inc.

WHAT WENT WRONG?
CASE STUDIES OF PROCESS PLANT DISASTERS
Fourth Edition
by Trevor Kletz
Process Safety Consultant, UK

“The examples were very clear and graphic, with good sketches or pictures.
Without a doubt,
I strongly
recommend this book as required reading for every engineer and supervisor in the
process
industry and
suggested reading for others.” (AFE Facilities Engineering Journal)

“The incidents described could occur in many types of plants, and should therefore
be of
interest to a
wide variety of plant operators. The new fourth edition contains considerable new
material,
with extensive
references.” (Mechanical Engineering)

“This book is recommended for generalists with an interest in industrial safety and
safety/process who
wish to gain some insight into the realities of plant operations.” (IchemE - Institute
Of
Chemical
Engineers)

“This book should be read by every health and safety advisor and all managers and
engineers who work
in the chemical and petrochemical industries. It should also be used by those who
provide
training
courses in these industries.” (The Safety & Health Practitioner, July 2002)

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Expert Trevor Kletz examines the causes and aftermaths of numerous plant
disasters--almost every one
of which could have been prevented. Case histories illustrate what went wrong, why
it went
wrong, and
then guide you in how to circumvent similar tragedies.

Learn from the mistakes of others. This invaluable and respected book examines
the causes
and
aftermaths of numerous plant disasters - almost every one of which could have
been
prevented. Case
histories illustrate what went wrong and why it went wrong, and then guide you in
how to
circumvent
similar tragedies.

Twenty percent of the information in this fourth edition is brand new, with 15 new
figures and
photos to
help you better recognize danger. Extensive references are a hallmark of this
trusted volume.

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“Most of the incidents are very simple. No esoteric knowledge or detailed study
was required
to prevent
them - only a knowledge of what had happened before, which this book provides.” -
Trevor
Kletz.

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments
Preface
Units and nomenclature
Preparation for maintenance
Modifications
Accidents caused by human error
Labeling
Storage tanks
Stacks
Leaks
Liquefied flammable gases
Pipe and vessel failures
Other equipment
Entry to vessels
Hazards of common materials
Tank trucks and cars
Testing of trips and other protective systems
Static electricity
Materials of construction
Operating methods
Reverse flow and other unforeseen deviations
I didn't know that
Problems with computer control
Inherently safer design
Reactions-planned and unplanned
A final word
Recommended reading
Index

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TREVOR KLETZ, D.Sc., F.Eng., a process safety consultant, has published more
than a
hundred papers
and nine books on loss prevention and process safety.

His experience includes 38 years with Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., where he
served as
a
production manager and safety adviser in the petrochemical division, and
membership in the
department
of chemical engineering at Loughborough University, Leicestershire, England. He is
currently
senior
visiting research fellow at Loughborough University.

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1999, 442 pages. Order #DR762.
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