Details

Parent Category: Safety Info Posts

Category: PSM and RMP Citations/Analysis

Published: 22 October 2014

A May 1, 2014, inspection conducted after a complaint alleging three separate fires has resulted in the issuance of eight safety violations. Many of the violations were cited under the Process Safety Management Standard. OSHA cited one willful, two repeat and five serious safety violations and proposed penalties totaling $132,800. OSHA issued one willful violation for failing to conduct necessary inspections and tests on emergency fire control, bypass and relief valves. The company failed to follow recommended inspection timetables for pumps and motors. The company was issued two repeat citations for failing to develop complete and accurate operating procedures and compile necessary process safety information. The company was cited for similar violations in 2012 at this same facility. The company failed to address the potential for static accumulation and discharge and train employees in the equipment processes and emergency shutdown procedures for the machines they were operating. The company did not ensure that procedures to maintain mechanical integrity were performed, such as inspecting valves and pipes. In addition, the company failed to inspect procedures and train workers on the hazards of servicing and maintenance, resulting in five serious violations.

NOTES: (Citations have been highlighted in red)
1) One citation was for not securing a valve in its safe position in the field as noted on the P&ID. (e.g. Car Seals)
2) Combustible dust issues were cited as they are used in the covered process.

Here is a breakdown of the citations:

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