OSHA Inspection: EXXON MOBIL

Issued

Feb 6, 2004

Abate by

Feb 10, 2004

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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 the following conditions:
ExxonMobil Chemical Baytown Olefins Plant BD-IBN Unit.
(a)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a
temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was
burned
by fire which resulted from opening the filter.  Employer did not ensure
all
hydrocarbon was removed from filter before it was opened.
Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct
this hazard
include, but are not limited to:
Steaming the filter, using vent and drain unplugging equipment.
Ensuring employees follow NFPA 326 Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks
and
Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 1999 Edition, Chapter 3
Preparation for
Safeguarding, 3-2.1.
(b)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a
temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was
burned
by fire which resulted from opening the filter.  Employer did not ensure
internal
pressure was reduced to atmospheric pressure.
Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct
this hazard
include, but are not limited to:
Ensuring employees follow NFPA 326 Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks
and
Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 1999 Edition, Chapter 2 Basic
Precautions,
2-1.5.
(c)On or about August 26, 2003, an employee removing the last bolt from a
temporary filter was exposed to hydrocarbon liquid/vapor, employee was
burned
by fire which resulted from opening the filter.  Employer did not ensure
additional precautions were taken when hydrocarbon was present.
Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct
this hazard
include, but not limited to:
Steaming the filter, cooling the filter, using vent and drain unplugging
equipment.
Employer ensuring additional precautions taken as required by NFPA 326
Standard for
the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair
1999 Edition,
Chapter 8 Cleaning Tanks and Containers, 8-3.2 Additional Precautions.
*** Certification and Documentation of Abatement Required ***