OSHA Inspection: PHOENIX CHEMICAL

Issued

Jun 12, 1991

Abate by

Jul 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,625 · Current $1,625

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 on or about
12/18/90, employees were exposed to the hazard of being burned from
contact with molten urea (286 degrees Fahrenheit) and/or steam dis-
charge lines during switching and/or start-up of the Gould centrifugal
pumps.  The pumps which drew molten urea from a 6 feet high by 3 feet
diameter atmospheric tank were purged with steam when idle.  Closure
of the steam bleed discharge valve permitted p.s.i.g. of steam
pressure to build in the pump casing which was released by the opening
of the pump suction valve.  This allowed pressurized steam to enter
the urea tank resulting in molten urea splashing into the surrounding
work area.  Safe written procedures for performing pump charges had
not been developed by the employer and communicated to the employees.
In addition, steam was discharged into the work area creating
visibility problems and exposing employees to burns from contact with
the discharge path.
Among other methods one feasible and useful method to correct this
hazard is to:
1. Develop and implement a standard operating procedure to be utilized
during any/all pump changes and/or start up. This procedure shall
include, as a minimum, the following elements:
a. Appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn during
starting or switching of pumps.
b. Ensure that the steam (bleed) discharge valve is fully open.
c. Slowly open the pump suction valve.
d. Prime the pump (if necessary) and start the pump.
e. Crack (partial opening) the pump discharge valve.  Ensure that
the flow of product through the discharge has been established.
f. Fully close the steam (bleed) discharge valve only after
confirmation that the flow through the pump discharge valve
has been established.
2. Ensure that steam discharge piping does not impinge on other piping
or equipment and is directed away from platforms and other areas
used by personnel in accordance with American National Standard
B31.1, Power Piping, 1986 (Section 122.6.2 paragraph B).

Issued

Jun 12, 1991

Abate by

Jul 13, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,300 · Current $1,300

Issued

Jun 12, 1991

Abate by

Jul 13, 1991

Penalty

Initial $975 · Current $975

Issued

Jun 12, 1991

Abate by

Jun 19, 1991