Sun Edison on Saturday said it would restart its chemical plant in Pasadena, Texas, less than a week after an explosion and fire resulted in injuries to four workers. Via the Houston Chronicle, chemical safety experts criticized the decision given the short time frame and the company’s history of gas leaks. An official at the U.S. Chemical Safety Board — which is not investigating the incident — said Sun Edison should conduct a thorough review and explain how it can be prevented in the future before restarting.
The explosion was triggered by a release of silane gas from a valve that was closed while a unit was down for maintenance. One of the four injured workers suffered severe chemical burns.
OSHA cited Sun Edison in 2011 for cracked valves in the silane unit.
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