OSHA Inspection: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY SWEENEY

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 23, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

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) At Phillips 66 Company, Sweeny Refinery and Petrochemical Complex,
Old Ocean, Tx., adequate separation distances were not provided
between process units and adjacent critical occupancy buildings, so
that in the case of a hazardous event (e.g. release of flammable
liquids, vapors or gases) at any one unit or area, the other units
or areas would not be affected. These would include, but are not
limited to, the control room(s) Unit #24, 3, 7, 10-D, 12, 15 and
Unit #22. This condition could be corrected by the following methods:
1) Follow accepted industry guidelines for plant layout and spacing,
including but not limited to:
a) The Dow Chemical Company, "Fire and Explosion Index Hazard
Classification Guide".
b) The Industrial Risk Insurer "General Recommendations for Spacing
in Refineries, Petrochemical Plants, Gasoline Plants, Terminals,
Oil Pump Stations, and Offshore Properties".
2) If adequate spacing cannot be achieved, alternative methods of
protection must be implemented. The control room building, a critical
work area, shall be afforded protection through explosion-resistant
construction or adequate barricading. The process units shall be
provided with alternative means such as deluge systems, fire
sprinklers, spill containment and/or inventory control.

Issued

Mar 23, 1990

Abate by

Apr 6, 1990

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $560