OSHA Inspection: SUN CHEMICAL CORPORATION/PIGMENTS DIVISION

Issued

Oct 27, 1988

Abate by

Jan 30, 1989

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $145 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  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:
a) Reactors Bldg. - Chemical burns or death from potential chemical
explosion in the large reflux reactor.  The reactor is used in the
manufacture of organic pigments and is heated up to 120 degrees
celsius with steam at 60 psi maximum.
Provisions were not made to shut down the heat automatically if excess
temperature was sensed in the reactor.  All controls are manual.  There
are no sensors in the reflux columns.  Methanol, poliphosphoric acid
and glacial acetic acid are used in the process.
Feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard are -
1) Install automatic temperature control.  The addition of audible high
temperature and pressure alarms is desirable.
2) Install redundant interlocks between cooling water and  heat input
which would allow the heat to shut off if the supply fails.
Violation observed on or about 7/8/88.

Issued

Sep 2, 1988

Abate by

Sep 19, 1988

Issued

Sep 2, 1988

Abate by

Sep 19, 1988

Issued

Sep 2, 1988

Abate by

Sep 6, 1988

Issued

Sep 2, 1988

Abate by

Sep 19, 1988