December 4, 2010

Fire in a chlor alkali plant and citations from OSHA

A blast in a chlor alkali plant in China has been reported to have killed three people. Resons are being investigated. Read the article in this link.
In another development, OSHA has cited Huntsman Petrochemical of Houston Texas of violations in PSM. The article is quoted below:
"OSHA began its investigation June 7 in response to an incident in one of the company’s process units.Alleged serious violations include failing to incorporate operating procedures for all safety devices in the company’s operating guide; adequately train employees in safe operating procedures; properly shut down process equipment; identify and isolate all energy sources to the equipment; and to ensure lockout/tagout energy isolating devices such as line valves prior to employees performing maintenance on the equipment. A serious citation is issued when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Houston, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission".

Read the article in this link.

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