OSHA Inspection: SCHENECTADY CHEMICALS, INC.

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Sep 11, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,250 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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely
to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees
were exposed to the recognized health hazards resulting from exposure
to toxic materials and the safety hazards resulting from exposure
to high pressure steam due to the following unsafe conditions:
(a)  On or about January 21, 1992 the employer used a
maintenance procedure for the purpose of cleaning a
suspected plug in its phenol effluent azeotropic
distillation line which required employee(s) to over
pressurize such lines to 180 psig, which is beyond
the rated capacity of such system, including its
valves, flanges, and sight glases.
(b)  On or about January 21, 1992 the employer operated
the phenl effluent azeotropic distillation line which
contained the Sur-Seal #7237 gasket on its Knifegate
valve. This gasket was not of a material which is
chemically resistant to hazardous chemicals present
in such systems, including but not limited to phenol
and xylene.
Among other methods, feasible means of abatement include
but are not limited to:
1.  Provide a surrouding barrier guard around the knife
valves to prevent any spray or emission from gasket
failure from reaching employees;
2.  Replace Sur-Seal #7237 red rubber gaskets in the four
(4) knife valves with Garlock Gylon #3510 or other
suitable gasket material. This may require modification
or redesign of the valve transition flanges;
3.  Reduce steam pressures applied to the knife valves
when effluent line plugs are being cleared;
4.  Provide for some means of isolating the knife valves
during plug clearing operations to prevent application
of 212 degrees F. temperatures to the gaskets;
5.  Install safety relief devices to prevent pressure
buildup over 100 psi at the knife valves;
6.  Establish detailed written standard operating
procedures for clearing plugs in the phenol effluent
lines; and
7.  Conduct training of employees on the procedures so
written.

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 2, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 2, 1992

Penalty

Initial $25,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 28, 1992

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 28, 1992