Case Study: The PEPCON Disaster
A series of strategic and tactical problems at the PEPCON chemical plant led to a fire and eventual explosion of ammonium perchlorate, with an equivalent impact on the surrounding area of a 1-kiloton nuclear detonation. The explosion claimed 2 lives, injured around 370, and caused an estimated $100 million in damages. For this case study in professionalism we will focus on PEPCON’s disaster preparation, the response of government agencies, and underlying social and professional factors contributing to the disaster.
This course explores the ethical considerations surrounding the PEPCON disaster in which two employees died as a result of a chemical fire and explosion. The course includes a brief video featuring interviews with former employees and technical experts.
Once you complete your course review, take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten (10) questions to earn 2 PDH credit.
Learning Objectives
This course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Learn the events surrounding the Pepcon explosion
- Explore how poor housekeeping practices and inadequate fire detection and firefighting equipment contributed to the scope of the disaster
- Review the human errors involved in the incident and the failure of professionalism that led to the disaster
Download the Course to review and begin earning your PDH credits.
We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This courses is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, ID, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.
