Episoder
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In 2017 during an Odoriser decontamination procedure in West Virginia, two people were killed when it unexpectedly exploded. Barely a month later, a similar procedure at the same site led to a second explosion, killing someone else. We examine how poor hazard analysis and legal interference led to yet another fatality...right in front of the eyes of the investigators on site.
With John Chidgey.Formal Report:
Midland Resource Recovery ExplosionMidland Resource Recovery Factual Update (PDF)Improving Reaction Hazard Management (PDF)News Releases and Articles:
Chemical Tank Explosion in Barbour County Kills Two Employees Plus One Severely InjuredOne Dead After Another Explosion at Midland Resource RecoveryMidland Resources Recovery Explosion Kills 2, Injures 1McDonald Volunteer Fire Chief Laid To Rest After W.Va. ExplosionWidow Blames Natural Gas Odorization Company for Husband’s DeathCSB releases final report on explosions at Midland Resource Recovery FacilityMidland Resource Recovery Explosion 2017Second Fatal Explosion at Midland Resources RecoveryGeneral Information:
About Midland Resource RecoveryThe Growing Importance of Mercaptans Sodium Hypochlorite (PDF)Principles of Natural Gas Odorization (PDF)Attorney-Work Product Privilege
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher. -
In 2021 the Callide C Power Station experienced a unit failure that tore the turbine-generator apart, resulted in hundreds of thousands of premises losing power, and cost hundreds of millions to repair. We look at how design errors and ultimately a lack of information led to the incident escalating out of control, when it could have been recovered.
With John Chidgey.Formal Reports:
Callide Unit C4 Turbine Generator Failure 25 May 2021 (PDF)Animation of the Callide Unit C4 incidentTrip of multiple generators and lines in Central Queensland and associated under-frequency load shedding on 25 May 2021 (PDF)News Releases and Articles:
CS Energy releases report into 2021 Callide C4 Unit FailureCS Energy releases technical report into 2021 Unit C4 incidentDr Sean Brady to lead independent investigation into Callide incidentBattery failure led to power plant mass outageBoth units trip at Callide C on Wednesday 13th January 2021Statement regarding IG PowerIntergen voluntary administrationReport says Callide C4 incident “could not have been anticipated”Callide explosion blamed on battery charger failureCallide Power Trading taken to court over system failureCS Energy says insurers won’t agree to $300m claim over power stationJim Soorley stands down from CS EnergyCS Energy Post about Incident on LinkedInSuper-Critical Boilers:
Super-Critical Boiler Technology (PDF)Supercritical FluidsSupercritical Coal PlantsElectrical Engineering References:
Hydrogen-cooled Turbo GeneratorReverse Active Power Protection (ANSI 32P)Court Action:
Alleged failure to obtain regulatory approval to operate a generating systemNotice of Filing: Australian Energy Regulator v Callide Power Trading Pty Ltd (PDF)Coal generator to face court over blackouts caused by catastrophic explosionGeneral Information:
Callide Power StationStanwell Power StationTarong Power StationCallide Power StationCS Energy: Water ManagementNOTE: Minor Corrections in audio updated: 31st March, 2024
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto and Ian Gallagher. -
Manglende episoder?
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In 2021 many of Colonial Pipelines IT systems were locked by malware and out of caution they shutdown the fuel pipelines feeding nearly half of the Eastern US leading to chaos at the gas pump and a state of emergency being declared. We look at how poor off-boarding hygiene led to an easily preventable cyber-attack.
With John Chidgey.Hearing:
Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security House of Representatives TranscriptThreats to Critical Infrastructure: Examining the Colonial Pipeline Cyber-Attack (PDF)Charles Carmakal Statement from Hearing (PDF)General Information:
Colonial PipelineColonial Pipeline Ransomware AttackHow Three Major Cyber Attacks Could Have Been PreventedWhat IT security teams can learn from the Colonial PipelineEvolution of the Chief Information Security OfficerUS Fuel Pipeline Hackers StatementDarkSideDarkSide Leaks Press Center (X)DarkSide Ransomware Gang Behind Pipeline Hack QuitsTSA Renews Cyber-Security Guidelines for PipelinesDHS Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Critical Pipeline Owners and OperatorsFederal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationEmergency Declaration for 17 States
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Dave Jones, Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto and Ian Gallagher. -
The I35W bridge over the Mississippi River carried 140,000 cars every day. Inspections in 1999 and 2003 showed damage to support plates that was dismissed as unimportant at the time. We look into how poor design checking and assumptions led to the bridge collapsing in 2007, costing the lives of 13 people.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Only a Handful of T-Shirts Left!
Reports:
Collapse of I-35W Highway Bridge Minneapolis, Minnesota August 1, 2007 (PDF)General Information:
I-35W Mississippi River bridgeURS CorporationSverdrup & ParcelGusset PlateArticles:
Design errors factor in 2007 bridge collapseNTSB releases final reportDespite final NTSB report, some still have questionsVideos:
Inside a Catastrophic Minneapolis Bridge Collapse (YouTube)Litigation:
NTSB is wrong about cause of bridge collapseLast Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Lawsuit Settled For $52.4 Million
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Dave Jones and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
With thanks to Joe Stariha for the topic suggestion. -
Five months after Lion Air 610 crashed, another 737-MAX went down with a similar cause. However the official report was at odds with two other internationally respected investigative organisations. We dig into the detail of how the AOA Sensor was claimed to have failed, and review checklist discrepancies to extract fact from opinion as to what most likely triggered this horrible chain of events.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Celebrating Causality’s 50th Episode!!
Previous Episode:
Causality Episode 33: 737 MAXReports:
EAIB: Aircraft Accident Investigation Report B737- MAX 8, ET-AVJ December 2022 (PDF)US Comments: ET302 Report March 2022 (PDF)US Comments: Response to EAIB Final Report (PDF)BEA: Accident du Boeing 737 immatriculé ET-AVJ et exploité par Ethiopian Airlines survenu le 10/03/2019 près de BishoftuBEA: Incidents to the Boeing 737 - 800 registered F-GZHO operated by Transavia France on 07/02/2018 at Norwich (United Kingdom) and 08/02/2018 at Paris-OrlyBEA: Incidents to the Boeing 737 - 800 registered F-GZHO operated by Transavia France (PDF)ICAO Annex 13: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (PDF)General Information:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302Addis Ababa Bole International AirportJomo Kenyatta International AirportRotation (Aeronautics)Ground Proximity Warning SystemBoeing 737 MAX GroundingsFederal Aviation AdministrationImpact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on AviationFinancial Impact of the Boeing 737 MAX GroundingsICAON1 and N2March 10, 2019 Historical Weather at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, EthiopiaET-AVJ Flight Tracking and HistoryCollins AOA Systems (PDF)Auto-Throttle and Auto-ThrustB737 Autothrottle (A/T) Normal and Non-Normal OperationsAirworthiness DirectivesArticles:
The BEA Weighs In: Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302Controversy Surrounds Final Report on Ethiopian Air Flight 302More Omissions In Ethiopian 737 MAX ReportUS NTSB Criticises Ethiopian MAX ReportHouse passes bill to reform plane certification process after two Boeing 737 Max crashesGovernment of Canada introduces additional requirements to allow for the return to service of the Boeing 737 MAX - Canada.caEASA Decision Not to Adopt FAA AD 2020-24-02 (PDF)Regulations:
Aircraft Certification Reform and Accountability ActFAA Proposes New Policy that Would Fulfill One of the Key Requirements of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act | Federal Aviation AdministrationPost MCAS Law ChangesBoeing 737 Airworthiness DirectivesAirworthiness Directive 2018-23-51 (PDF)Airworthiness Directive 2020-24-02 (PDF)FAA: Boeing 737 MAX Reading RoomTransport Canada: Boeing 737-MAX-8Litigation:
Boeing to pay more than $2.5 billion to settle criminal conspiracy charge over 737 MaxBoeing Charged with 737 Max Fraud Conspiracy and Agrees to Pay over $2.5 BillionBoeing Directors Settle Shareholder Lawsuit Over 737 MAX Crashes For $237.5 MillionBoeing: Directors to face investor lawsuit over fatal crashesBoeing, FAA slammed in House report over deadly 737 Max failuresBoeing agrees deal with families of Ethiopia crash victimsBoeing to compensate victims in Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash
Support Causality on Patreon
Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Dave Jones and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto. -
A fireworks company in Western Australia that had been in business for nearly a century, were preparing for a fireworks display in their packing shed when one ignited and set off a fire and an explosion. Onlookers were shocked when there was a subsequent explosion that was so big it was heard 30 kilometers away leaving the facility in ruins.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Celebrating Causality’s 50th Episode!!
Reports:
Report of the investigation into the fireworks accident at Carmel, Western Australia (PDF)Fire and Explosions at a Fireworks Storage Depot (PDF)Links of Interest:
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and SafetyExplosives Magazine Storage and UseNet Explosive QuantityClass 1 Dangerous Goods Explosive Substances and ArticlesCardile FireworksNews Articles:
Carmel fireworks incident report has global implicationsPerth fireworks factory explodesA Fireworks Factory Exploded In Perth’s Hills (VIDEO)About Pyrotechnics:
The Illustrated Dictionary of Pyrotechnics (PDF)List of Pyro Chemicals and TermsDisplay Fireworks GlossaryPyrostar GlossaryFireworks Stars and Shells GarnituresAll you wanted to know about fireworks fuses
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Dave Jones and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
With thanks to Heather Shaw for the topic suggestion. -
When a radiation therapy machine was left behind during a move between buildings in central Brazil, it set in motion a series of events that would lead to one of the worst radiological incidents in history. We look into how bureaucracy and misdiagnosis cost four people their lives and how the actions of a concerned mother with no medical experience, saved the lives of countless more.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
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Official Report:
The Radiological Accident in Goiânia (PDF)Links of Interest:
Goiânia AccidentIGR - Instituto Goiano de RadiologiaTeletherapy CapsuleBecquerelThe Goiânia IncidentCaesiumGrayOther Reports and Articles:
The most rambling and insane nuclear accident in history (Italian)Doctors and the radioactive accident (Portugese)Notes on nuclear energy. What lawyers should know about nuclear technology (Spanish)Goiânia Brazil 1987 - Rick On TheaterCaesium Radiation Goiania Brazil - 1102The blue powder entranced…then it killed…The Response to Technological Accidents: The Case of Radioactive Accident in Goiania (PDF) (Portugese)News Articles:
Victims of Radiation Ostracised in BrazilA Brazilian burglar stole a capsule…The Perception of Individuals Involved in the Accident With Caesium-137Two Radiation Victims DieThe Goiâna Incident - NCT MagazineRelated Incidents:
List of orphan source incidentsSamut Prakan radiation accidentOrigin of Cobalt-60 traced to Delhi University1962 Mexico City radiation accident
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Dave Jones and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
With thanks to Shane O'Neill for the topic suggestion. -
The tallest building in Missouri with a large atrium perfect for big bands and dancing, hosted a regular Tea Dance in the summer of 1981. When two walkways collapsed killing over a hundred people, the investigators found multiple fundamental design errors. We look at how assumptions, redrafting conventions and negligence led to an incident that has become the case study in how not to do civil structural design.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Create your own Credited Soundbite
Links of Interest:
Tea danceFast-track constructionSheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown CenterHyatt Regency Walkway CollapseStrength Requirements by GradesAll Thread RodWide Flange Beam Dimensions ChartObituary for Jack D. GillumHotel Horror from Kansas City HistoryThe Engineer of Record and Design ResponsibilityEngineering Analysis:
Investigation of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Walkways Collapse (Link to PDF)Understanding the Tragic Hyatt Regency Walkway CollapseHyatt Regency Walkway Collapse 1981Hyatt Regency Walkway CollapseThe Hyatt Regency Disaster RevisitedHyatt Regency Walkway CollapseEthics in Engineering Practice and Research by Caroline WhitbeckChronology And Context Of The Hyatt Regency Collapse by Gregory P. Luth (PDF)News Articles:
The Kansas City Hyatt Disaster 30 Years LaterCollapse Did Not Involve Safety ViolationsWalkway Swayed To The Rhythm Of Dancers18th July 1981 Hyatt collapseHyatt Regency Skywalk Collapse Memorial Dedicated In 20151981 Hyatt Regency Walkway CollapseHyatt Regency Collapse Remains Among The Deadliest In USA HistoryEngineers Are Held At Fault In 1981 Hotel Disaster
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Hafthor, Jared, Bill, Joel Maher, Katharina Will and Dave Jones. -
The longest, tallest, fastest indoor rollercoaster in the world was only open six months when the last carriage of a train came loose, killing three people and all that the day following an inspection that the ride was safe to operate. We look at how a design choice made maintenance more critical and then how wishing for a ride to be safe, doesn't really help.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Links of Interest:
MindbenderGeoffrey Kulak (Archive.org)Mindbender (Galaxyland)Triple Five GroupRoller coaster wheel assembly BogieSchwarzkopf GmbH6 Reasons Why Bolts Fail & How To Prevent ItTesting for Amusement Rides and Theme Parks TÜV SÜDVideos:
Tragedy on the Mindbender (Video)Mindbender Accident Inquiry - Film & Video Stock (Video)News Articles:
Coaster Ride’s Mastermind FiredRoller-coaster goes at full tiltMindbender 25 Years Later (Archive.org)Roller-coaster Derailment Kills ThreeSurvivor of 1986 mall coaster crash wants memorial3 Hurled to Death in Canada as Roller Coaster Derails in MallAuthorities today investigated a weekend triple-loop ‘Mindbender’ roller coaster3 Killed in RollerCoaster Crash[Mall Owner Blames Manufacturer’s Defect for Roller Coaster Deaths (Dead Link)](LINK DEFUNCT “Original Link: https://apnews.com/8be3b0f7291c22472aa8c00790de1358")Rollercoaster Articles:
31 years ago today, the Mindbender rollercoaster at WEM crashed10 Deadliest Roller Coaster AccidentsList of incidents at independent amusement parksAmusement Ride AccidentsThe Mindbender Fantasy Roller Coaster Accident in CanadaWorst Coaster Crash?Mindbender - Galaxyland - Roller CoastersMindbender - Galaxyland Amusement ParkAmerican Dreier LoopingMindbender Edmonton (Archive.org)Schwarzkopf (Archive.org)Mindbender - Park VaultAnton SchwarzkopfMindbender (Galaxyland)Legislature Assembly Minutes:
21st Legislature First Session Minutes (PDF)
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Jared, Bill, Joel Maher and Katharina Will.
With thanks to Quinton Zaborski for the topic suggestion. -
In 1977, a commuter train from the Blue Mountains, destined for Sydney central station would derail just before Granville Station, causing a bridge to collapse and crush many aboard. It remains Australia's worst ever rail disaster that was predicted by 11 engineering department heads just a year earlier. We look at how management decisions led to a completely avoidable disaster.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Links of Interest:
Granville rail disasterThe Day of the RosesPublic Transport Commission of NSWGranville Train Disaster (Archive.org)TurnoutsCityRailAustralia’s worst rail disasterThe Granville Train Disaster AssociationRevisiting the Granville Train Disaster of 1977: Barry GobbeRemembering the Day of the RosesWheel was covered up (Archive.org)45 years since Granville Train DisasterGranville Train Disaster Memorial GardenThe rail disaster that changed AustraliaMixed response as NSW Government apologises for Australia’s worst train disasterGranville Railway DisasterGranville train disaster: victims speak outFormal Investigation Extracts:
Formal Investigation State Records AuthorityReport on the formal investigationFormal Investigation extract: Research DataResearch Data Australia SearchInformal Investigations:
Permanent Way Institution Granville SearchGranville: The Untold StoryThe Granville Train DisasterThe Granville DisasterVideo:
Granville Train Disaster Documentary (Video)
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Jared, Bill, Joel Maher and Katharina Will. -
In Beirut in August of 2020, an explosion at the Port of Beirut destroyed a huge part of the city. We look into how an oxidising agent, improperly handled can become an explosive and attempt to comprehend how something so dangerous was ignored repeatedly by key people, despite many warnings of an imminent disaster.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Links of Interest:
2020 Beirut ExplosionCondensation CloudPrillANFOAmmonium NitrateHow an unscheduled port visit led to disasterBeirut Ammonium Nitrate BlastGovernment Amends Ammonium Nitrate RulesFBI probe shows amount of chemicals in Beirut blast was a fraction of original shipmentBeirut Whistleblower Returns to WorkIdeal Gas LawGases, Liquids and Solids (PDF)Reports into the incident:
Human Rights Watch (PDF)The Beirut Port Explosion, Forensic ArchitectureVideo and Images:
Video of Explosion 1 (Twitter)Video of Explosion 2 (Twitter)Video of Wilsons Cloud Ring (Twitter)Documentary:
Beirut Blast: The Story Of Warehouse 12 (2021)Beirut Blast: The Story of Warehouse 12 (2021) - IMDbAmmonium Nitrate Information:
Storage requirements for security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) | Resources Safety & Health QueenslandOrica Mining Services, Report for Kooragang Island Uprate PHA MOD1 Report (PDF)Ammonium Nitrate Advisory USEPA (PDF)Orica ANFO MSDS (PDF)
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Shane O'Neill, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Jared, Bill, Joel Maher and Katharina Will. -
In 1911 in Manhattan, New York, a clothing factory went up in flames just before closing time. We look at how faulty equipment, poor design and a fear of theft contributed to a wholly preventable incident that had such terrible consequences, but would trigger reforms that still impact the United States, a century later.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Links of Interest:
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory FireBrown BuildingShirtwaistCourt Transcript of the Criminal TrialThe Triangle Fire of 1911Sweatshop TragedyBrown Building (PDF)Sweatshop DefinitionMachinery Needed for Garment ManufacturingDifferent Types of Sewing Line LayoutWorld Tallest Building Passive Fire PreventionEarly 19th Century FirefightingCornell University’s Excellent Resource on the Incident:
The Triangle Factory FireThe Triangle Factory Fire: Report SummariesThe Triangle Factory Fire: Timeline
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Shane O'Neill, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Jared, Bill and Joel Maher. -
The original Royal Canberra Hospital was flagged to be demolished in 1997 to make way for the new National Museum. A demolition via implosion was selected, but the implosion resulted in an explosion instead, and debris showered the huge crowd of onlookers with fatal consequences.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Report into the Incident:
Inquest Into The Death of Katie Bender (PDF)Video Footage of the Demolition:
Canberra Hospital Implosion 1997 - YouTubeRoyal Canberra Hospital Implosion - TEN News 13 July 1997 - YouTubeVideo of Interest:
Miami Resort | Building Demolition | BlowDownLinks of Interest:
Royal Canberra HospitalBuilding ImplosionRoyal Canberra Hospital ImplosionRoyal Canberra Hospital Implosion ImagesProject CoordinationThe 1996 Australian Federal ElectionSuccessful ACT WorkSafe prosecutionsExplosives Used In Demolition:
Shaped ChargeRIOGEL TRONER HEWhat is Powergel explosive?C-4 Explosive
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Shane O'Neill, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Jared and Bill.
With thanks to Infamous Sphere for the topic suggestion. -
The university wanted a bridge for its students over a busy roadway that would appear intriguing from afar. Instead it collapsed before it was even finished. We look into how design errors, poor peer review and denial led to a collapse that claimed six peoples lives.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Report into the Incidents:
NTSB Final Report (PDF)Design Criteria and Bid:
FIU Pedestrian Bridge Design Criteria Rev 0 (PDF)FIU Pedestrian Bridge Design Criteria Rev 1 (PDF)MCM / FIGG Proposal (PDF)Civil Structural References:
TrussTruss BridgesSteel Bridge DesignWhat is Post-tensioning?Prestressed, Pretensioned and Post-Tensioned ConcreteEngineer of Record DefinitionNon-Destructive Concrete Evaluation & testingCompanies Involved:
Louis Berger is now part of WSPWSP GlobalFIGG EngineeringFIGG Bridge EngineersLinks of Potential Interest:
Florida bridge collapse has some hard lessonsFlorida International University pedestrian bridge collapseUniversity-City Prosperity ProjectMeet the prominent Miami firm behind the collapsed FIU bridgeMiami Bridge Failure Part 3: The Peer ReviewFHWA proposes 10-year debarment for FIGG Bridge EngineersLouis Berger only firm refusing to settle FIU bridge collapseBankrupt construction company that built FIU bridge reaches deal to pay victims $42MLessons learnt 3 years since Florida tragedyFHWA proposes 10-year debarment for FIGG Bridge EngineersJudge Rejects FIGG’s Motion to Halt 10-Year DebarmentRiverside Expressway:
Glimmer of hope?Riverside Expressway
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Shane O'Neill, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor and Bill. -
The largest semi-submersible Offshore Drilling Rig of its day, sank in a storm in 1982 whilst two smaller nearby rigs survived with minimal damage. We dive into how not closing a portlight cover, triggered a series of events that cost 84 people their lives.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Report into the Incidents:
Official ReportLinks of Potential Interest:
Ocean RangerHydrodynamic Model Studies of the Ocean Ranger Marine DisasterThe Loss of the Ocean RangerRoyal Commission Called (Video)Ocean Ranger report blames equipment and training (Video)Hypothermia TableHistory of offshore drilling unitsGlossary of nautical termsRoustaboutDavit25 years later (Archive.org)
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Chip Salzenberg.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor, Shane O'Neill and Bill.
With thanks to Gregory Hess for the topic suggestion. -
The successor to the Therac-6 and Therac-20 RadioTherapy machines would integrate the powerful DEC PDP-11 mini-computer to control all of the Therac-25s functions, including the safety interlocks, for the first time. In two years the 11 machines in service would overdose six people across two countries, killing three of them before they figured out why.
With John Chidgey.This show is Podcasting 2.0 Enhanced
Reports into the Incidents:
An Investigation of the Therac-25 AccidentsMedical Devices: The Therac-25The Therac-25: 30 Years LaterA Usage-Model Based Approach to Test Therac-25Good Computing: A Virtue Approach To Computer Ethics: Chapter 6Links of Potential Interest:
Therac-25The PDP-11 Assembly LanguagePDP-11Digital Equipment CorporationProgrammed Data ProcessorRad (unit)Order of MagnitudeMyelitisCollimatorFatal Dose: Radiation Deaths linked to AECL Computer ErrorsReactor Accidents: The Human FalloutAn Overview on Radiotherapy: From Its History to Its Current Applications in DermatologyIn MedTech History: MammographyThe programmer behind the THERAC-25 Fiasco was never foundAMA: My professor investigated the Therac-25 incidentHow history, principles and standards led to the safety PLC
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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Chip Salzenberg.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor and Shane O'Neill. -
A popular family-friendly ride at DreamWorld would claim the lives of four people in 2016. In nearly thirty years of operation the ride had several similar but non-fatal incidents with blame placed on the operator every time, when a three thousand dollar modification could have prevented a horrific incident.
With John Chidgey.Investigation Report:
DreamWorld (PDF)Links of Potential Interest:
River Rapids RideThunder River Rapids RideDreamworld operator Ardent Leisure Fined $3.6M for Thunder River Rapids Ride DeathsClass Action Over Dreamworld DeathsShutdown Impacts Dreamworld’s Plans For New RollercoasterDreamworld Chief Resigns After Damning Evidence At InquestDreamworld Pays $1.8M In Termination PayoutsDreamworld’s Missing AccountabilityDreamworld Accident Spurs Queensland Safety Crackdown
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Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor and Shane O'Neill. -
In 1978 on the cusp of the eradication of SmallPox a Medical Photographer became infected and would ultimately die from the Variola virus. We look at how admiration, promotion and delegation led to a wholly avoidable outcome.
With John Chidgey.Investigation Report:
The Shooter Report (PDF)Medical Analyses:
CDC Analysis of the R0 of SmallPox (PDF)Links of Potential Interest:
SmallPoxHistory of SmallpoxBiosafety Level 4A Bioweapon Expert Explains Four Ways A Pathogen Can Escape From A LabReview of Medical Errors in Laboratory Diagnostics and Where We Are TodayPathogens Sometimes Escape the Lab With Deadly Results1970s Chinese pandemic was a lab mistakeBio-Unsafety Level 3: Could the Next Lab Accident Result in a Pandemic?SmallPox is not DeadCaroline Foulkes looks back at the 1978 outbreakSmallpox virus retention debateLessons learned from smallpox outbreak
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Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Lesley Law Chan, Hafthor and Shane O'Neill. -
A series of concrete ceiling tiles in a tunnel portal collapsed on a moving car killing the passenger in downtown Boston in 2006. The selection of the epoxy used in the ceiling tile anchors was unusual and a failure to heed the warning signs were at odds on a huge project under pressure to deliver when already twice over time and five times over budget.
With John Chidgey.Investigation Report:
NTSB Report (PDF)Technical Links:
EpoxyTunnelLinks of Potential Interest:
Big Dig ceiling collapseCollapse of Big Dig Ceiling in Boston Is Tied to GluePublic demand for Big Dig accountability‘Epoxy Creep’ Main Factor in Big Dig Ceiling Panel Collapse$28M settlement in fatal Big Dig CollapseBig Dig Ramp ReopensHNTBThe Big Dig Tunnels and Bridges
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Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Hafthor and Shane O'Neill.
With thanks to Sean for the topic suggestion. -
A modification made in 1956 to a pipeline built in the 1940s would ultimately fail costing 8 people their lives in 2010. We look at what went wrong with PG&Es gas pipeline in San Bruno, California.
With John Chidgey.Investigation and Reports:
NTSB Report (PDF)Independent Review Panel Report on San Bruno Pipeline ExplosionTechnical Links:
Material FatigueGIS (Geographic Information System)PupAPI 5L X42 Steel Pipe Specification in PSL1, PSL2 and Sour ServiceLinks of Potential Interest:
Pacific Gas and Electric CompanySan Bruno Pipeline ExplosionMemorial for Anniversary of San Bruno ExplosionSan Bruno Pipeline ExplosionDeath Toll In San Bruno Climbs To 8Five Years After Deadly San Bruno ExplosionPG&E Gets Maximum Sentence For San Bruno CrimesCrestmoor NeighborhoodPG&E emerges from bankruptcyPG&E Completes Natural Gas Pipeline Safety ReportPG&E Falsified Gas Pipeline Safety RecordsLegal Links:
Right Of WayA Legal Introduction to EasementsCalifornia Law Study into Soverign Immunity (PDF)Cost Allocation in Public Utility Relocation in California
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Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Joseph Antonio, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele and Shane O'Neill.
With thanks to John for the topic suggestion. - Vis mere