2nd CCPS Global Summit on Process Safety

30 Years from Bhopal

Author

Charles Ian Cowley - Presenter, Cranfield University
  • Background:  Brief summary of the Bhopal gas release: what happened, main theories and factors, consequences, aftermath; legal and social situation
  • Update on current situation at Bhopal, based on recent visit (Dec 2014)
    • Condition of the old Union Carbide site: Stored chemicals, on-site soil contamination. buildings and equipment
    • Local area soil and groundwater contamination: ‘Solar Evaporation Pond’ and groundwater
    • Public health and social situation: medical, environmental and social; work of Bhopal Medical Appeal supporting the Sambhavna clinic and the Chingari Trust – non-profit, non-political charitable trust, providing rehabilitation support to the Bhopal gas-affected community
  • Link with CCPS Vision 20/20:
    • A call to action, to clean up the site and surroundings and support the local affected community
    • Committed Culture:  Human factors, Leadership, Op Discipline and Contextual Sensemaking
    • Disciplined Adherence to Standards: Equipment…
    • Vibrant Management Systems:  Inherent Safety; Design, Operations, Maintenance
    • Intentional Competence Development: systematic; competence-based training; assurance