PLEASE NOTE that this citation is SIGNIFICANT in that OSHA took issue with how Operating Procedures were controlled/revised/managed! OSHA found operators using three (3) different revisions for the same task that caused the release. Document control records had odd dates as well. A “document control” system is NOT a PSM (or RMP) requirement, BUT we MUST ensure that personnel is using the most recent APPROVED SOP!!!
A Washington state refinery is facing $77,000 in fines from the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for workplace health violations after an investigation into an uncontrolled toxic release last February. L&I began the investigation at the refinery after learning of an incident during which the refinery’s main flare released contaminants into the environment. The release prompted numerous odor complaints from the community nearby. The investigation found that the company had skipped critical decontamination steps while shutting down the main flare for routine maintenance. Failing to implement safe work practices caused an uncontrolled release that exposed workers to toxic substances including mercaptans, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons and pyrophoric iron. The company was also cited in 2013 for skipping critical steps when shutting down the flare. In that case, there was an explosion that nearly injured several contractors and Shell employees. For the recent incident, the refinery was cited for one willful violation and fined the maximum of $70,000 for knowingly and intentionally not following safe work practices for the control of hazards when shutting down the flare. The company was also cited for one serious violation with a penalty of $7,000 for giving workers the incorrect procedure for shutting down the flare. Here is a breakdown of the two (2) citations and a copy of the citations: