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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] An accident investigation report obtained exclusively by KBS has revealed that “comprehensive management failures” were the primary cause of a fatal hydrogen explosion at an SK Energy refinery in Ulsan last year.
Citing the report by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, KBS reported that even the most basic safety procedures—such as fully purging residual gas and isolating supply lines—were not properly carried out before maintenance work began.
The explosion occurred in October during routine maintenance, killing two workers and seriously injuring four others. According to the report, bolt-removal operations were conducted while hydrogen gas remained in the pipeline, leading to a leak and subsequent explosion.
Investigators found that gas displacement procedures and supply shutdown measures were inadequately implemented. Testimonies from on-site workers indicated that pressure remained inside the pipeline and that key control valves had not been properly checked, raising the likelihood that hydrogen gas was still present at the time of the work.
Under existing regulations, pipelines carrying flammable gases must be completely cleared and verified as safe prior to any repair or maintenance. However, the report concluded that these fundamental requirements were not followed.
Labor unions criticized the contractor’s lax work permit and safety inspection processes, arguing that high-risk tasks are often shifted to subcontracted workers without sufficient safeguards.
In response, SK Energy said it would take necessary measures based on the outcome of the investigation and has strengthened safety protocols for related operations.
Police and labor authorities are currently investigating potential violations of safety obligations, including whether adequate training was provided and whether on-site safety managers fulfilled their duties.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
