On February 8, 2017, @ 11:15 a.m.three (3) contractors were climbing down from an elevated pipe rack. As they were climbing down, the stainless steel “Foul Condensate” tank exploded, striking the workers and tossing their bodies 200 yards from the explosion. All three workers were killed. OSHA issues five (5) Serious Citations releated to Hot Work, PSM, and a 5(a)(1) for $63,375. The business is contesting them all.
Here is the break down of the citations:
5(A)(1); $12,675
OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards.
On or about February 8, 2017 in the Pulp Mill at the Foul Condensate Tank (FCT), the employer allowed employees to perform shutdown (maintenance) work on all or part of the non-condensable gas (NCG) system where there was the presence of methanol and turpentine and flammable vapors, the employer did not isolate, drain and purge the tank.
1910.119(n); $12,675
Emergency planning and response. The employer shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38. In addition, the emergency action plan shall include procedures for handling small releases. Employers covered under this standard may also be subject to the hazardous waste and emergency response provisions contained in 29 CFR 1910.120 (a), (p) and (q).
1910.252(a)(2)(iv); $12,675
Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit.
1910.252(a)(2)(viii); $12,675
Ducts. Ducts and conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles shall be suitably protected or shut down.
1910.252(a)(2)(xv); $12,675
Fire prevention precautions. Cutting or welding shall be permitted only in areas that are or have been made fire safe. When work cannot be moved practically, as in most construction work, the area shall be made safe by removing combustibles or protecting combustibles from ignition sources.