The accident occurred on Friday 6/14/2013 at around 6 p.m. in a section of the plant that had been shut for maintenance when a nitrogen vessel ruptured during off-loading. The blast killed one worker and sent seven others to the hospital. OSHA investigated and issued the following 5(a)(1) citation regarding the design of the process (not PSM) as it relates to pressure ratings and relief system design.
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 in the Ammonia 3 Unit of the XX XXXXXXXXX Complex in XXXXXXXXXXX, Louisiana were exposed to struck-by hazards while operating the Nitrogen Supply Distribution system and its attached components.