OSHA has cited a natural gas producer for one willful and seven serious PSM violations following an explosion and fire that severely burned a worker. OSHA began its investigation Feb. 29 at the company’s facility which specializes in the production of liquid natural gas through a cryogenic process. The incident occurred while employees were restarting the process. Cryogenic liquids were improperly routed through equipment not rated to withstand extreme cold temperatures, resulting in the explosion and fire. Here is a breakdown of the citations:
- P&ID’s indicated the incorrect Minimum Design Metallurgical Temperature (MDMT) on seven segments of piping – Serious and $3,000
- PHA failed to address the effects of low temperature on equipment – Serious and $7,000
- SOPs not reviewed as often as necessary – Serious and $7,000
- Failed to ensure equipment fabricated was suitable for the process – Serious and $7,000
- Failed to do an MOC on five changes related to the accident – Serious and $7,000
- Failed to update an SOP from a change related to the accident – Serious and $7,000
- Failed to document 3 previous PSM incident investigations – Serious and $7,000
- MOC procedures did not assure that impacts to safety and health were identified before changes were made – WILLFUL and $70,000
Proposed penalties total $111,000. CLICK HERE to download the citations.